Mahama requests national stakeholder engagement on harmful online content
The Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) and the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) are being asked to lead a national discussion on how Ghana can address harmful online content without restricting legitimate freedom of expression. The request comes from President John Dramani Mahama, who wants stakeholders to help develop a... The post Mahama requests national stakeholder engagement on harmful online content appeared first on Asaase Radio .
The Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) and the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) are being asked to lead a national discussion on how Ghana can address harmful online content without restricting legitimate freedom of expression.
The request comes from President John Dramani Mahama, who wants stakeholders to help develop a clear national approach to dealing with hate speech, threats, incitement and abusive content on social media and other digital platforms.
In a letter signed by the Secretary to the President, Dr Callistus Mahama, President Mahama said any response to unlawful online conduct must be proportionate and should not extend to legitimate political criticism, satire or dissent.
He cautioned against arrests based merely on criticism or politically charged commentary, saying such actions could be counterproductive and undermine confidence in state institutions.
“The President is particularly concerned that disproportionate arrests over mere criticism or politically charged commentary may be counterproductive, create undeserving martyrs and undermine public confidence in state institutions,” the letter stated.
The proposed engagement will bring together state institutions, media organisations, civil society groups, religious bodies and digital content creators.
The National Media Commission, Ghana Police Service, bloggers, influencers and representatives of digital platforms are among those expected to participate.
Legal and human-rights experts as well as regulatory and security agencies are also expected at the engagement.
The discussions will examine Ghana’s existing laws and regulations on online speech and seek to establish a clearer distinction between protected expression and unlawful content.
Participants are also expected to consider guidelines for law-enforcement agencies, digital literacy and public education, ethical standards for online content creators and mechanisms through which people can lodge complaints and seek redress.
President Mahama said the process should ultimately produce a national roadmap that protects freedom of expression while ensuring that genuinely harmful digital content is dealt with appropriately.
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The post Mahama requests national stakeholder engagement on harmful online content appeared first on Asaase Radio .