President of Ghana Mahama calls not to criminalize criticism — MyJoyOnline

Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama said that legitimate criticism, political commentary, satire and dissent must not be criminalized while combating hate speech and harmful content on social media. MyJoyOnline reports, citing a letter from the Office of the President dated September 22, 2026.

National discussion on digital content

On behalf of the president, Secretary to the President Callistus Mahama asked the Media Foundation for West Africa and the Ghana Journalists Association to jointly hold a national stakeholder discussion. It is to address the spread of hate speech, abusive language and other harmful content on social media and emerging digital platforms.

The letter states that public debate is increasingly influenced not only by traditional media, but also by bloggers, content creators, influencers and users of platforms such as TikTok. Some of these authors have substantial audiences, but do not always operate according to recognized editorial standards or under clear accountability mechanisms.

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The line between criticism and unlawful speech

The letter stresses that hate speech, threats, incitement and other unlawful acts must be properly addressed. At the same time, the president expressed concern that disproportionate detentions over criticism or politically charged comments could be counterproductive, create undeserved martyrs and undermine public trust in state institutions.

The process is proposed to involve the National Media Commission, the Ghana Police Service, religious organizations, civic associations, traditional media, online content creators, legal and human rights experts, representatives of digital platforms, as well as state regulatory and security bodies. Participants are to assess existing legal and regulatory mechanisms, define the line between legitimate criticism and unlawful speech, and propose recommendations for law enforcement agencies.

It is also proposed to consider media and digital literacy, ethical standards for online content creators, accessible mechanisms for reviewing complaints and protecting rights, as well as alternatives to arrest and criminal prosecution in cases where there are no threats, incitement, violence or other clearly criminal acts.