Former President John Dramani Mahama has initiated a national conversation on regulating TikTok and other emerging media platforms in Ghana. He emphasized the need for collective decision-making on balancing freedom of expression with addressing harmful online content. Mahama's comments come amid growing concerns about the influence of social media on information integrity. He noted that anyone with a phone can create and publish content, which can be widely circulated through platform algorithms.
President Mahama raised concerns about anonymous accounts and online users who make offensive or harmful statements without revealing their identities. He, however, stated that he personally does not take insults directed at him seriously, citing his experience of being insulted and vilified during his time in office. Mahama described his "skin as crocodile skin," implying that he is resilient to insults.
The former President suggested that the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) and the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) should bring relevant stakeholders together for a workshop or forum to discuss the regulation of new media platforms. He proposed that the discussions should consider questions, including whether the police should become involved in dealing with online content and what form regulation should take.
Mahama emphasized the need for caution when it comes to arrests for online content, warning that law enforcement could potentially go beyond addressing genuinely harmful conduct. He stated that "once you start arresting, you don't know where to stop." This cautious approach comes against the backdrop of a series of arrests in August and September 2025 that have sparked debate about free speech in Ghana.
The former President's comments reflect a broader concern about the rapidly changing media environment and its implications for free speech. He stressed that the goal is to find a national approach to regulating new media platforms without undermining legitimate freedom of expression. Mahama's call for a national conversation highlights the need for a balanced approach that addresses both the benefits and challenges of new media platforms.
Mahama's proposal for stakeholder discussions involving the GJA, MFWA, police, media bodies, civil society, and other groups aims to develop a framework for addressing harmful online content while protecting legitimate expression. He encouraged Ghanaians to collectively decide how TikTok and other new media platforms should be regulated, emphasizing that this is not a unique challenge to Ghana, but a global issue.
The national conversation on TikTok regulation and free speech is expected to involve various stakeholders, including media organizations, civil society groups, and law enforcement agencies. The outcome of this conversation will likely shape Ghana's approach to regulating new media platforms and balancing freedom of expression with the need to address harmful online content.
Key points
- Former President John Dramani Mahama has called for a national conversation on regulating TikTok and other new media platforms in Ghana.
- Mahama emphasized the need for caution when it comes to arrests for online content.
- The proposed national conversation aims to develop a framework for addressing harmful online content while protecting legitimate expression.
