Ghana News / Politics
President John Dramani Mahama has cautioned against disproportionate arrests over criticism and political commentary, saying such actions could create “undeserving martyrs” and weaken public confidence in state institutions.
President John Dramani Mahama has cautioned against disproportionate arrests over mere criticism or politically charged commentary, warning that such actions could create “undeserving martyrs” and undermine confidence in state institutions.
The President’s position was contained in a letter signed by the Secretary to the President, Dr Callistus Mahama, requesting the Media Foundation for West Africa and the Ghana Journalists Association to convene a national stakeholder engagement on hate speech, abusive language and harmful content on social media and emerging digital platforms.
President Mahama said hate speech, threats, incitement and other unlawful conduct should be addressed, but legitimate criticism, political commentary, satire and dissent should not be criminalised.
He called for a balanced approach that protects freedom of expression while ensuring that genuinely harmful digital content receives an appropriate and proportionate response.
The proposed stakeholder engagement is expected to involve the National Media Commission, Ghana Police Service, civil society organisations, media organisations, religious bodies, content creators, bloggers and influencers.
Legal and human-rights experts, digital platform representatives and relevant regulatory and security institutions are also expected to participate.
The engagement will examine Ghana’s existing legal and regulatory framework and seek to clarify the distinction between lawful criticism and unlawful speech. It will also consider guidelines for law-enforcement agencies, public education, digital literacy, ethical online communication and accessible complaints and redress mechanisms.
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