Ghana's Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, has issued a warning against the misuse of freedom of expression in the country. During an emergency sitting of the House on Tuesday, September 29, 2026, Mr. Bagbin emphasized that the national conversation on regulating social media and addressing misinformation must strike a careful balance between protecting free expression and ensuring accountability. He made these remarks amid renewed discussions on regulating social media platforms, particularly TikTok.
Mr. Bagbin's comments come after President John Dramani Mahama initiated a national conversation on the regulation of social media platforms. The President recently called for a national stakeholder dialogue to deliberate on the issue, following concerns over misinformation, insults, and other harmful content circulating online. He tasked the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) and the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) with convening stakeholders to discuss the matter.
The Speaker of Parliament commended President Mahama for initiating the national conversation and urged stakeholders to approach the process with restraint and inclusiveness. Mr. Bagbin emphasized that the discussion should be broad, inclusive, and measured, and must neither suppress dissent nor shield public officials from legitimate criticism. He also stressed that legitimate concerns about freedom of expression should not become an excuse for threats, incitement, deliberate falsehoods, or the reckless abuse of others.
Mr. Bagbin outlined the need for any measures adopted to be guided by the Constitution and respect the fundamental rights of citizens, including the right to privacy and access to information. He called on media organisations, civil society groups, technology companies, and users of social media platforms to contribute constructively to the dialogue. The Speaker's comments highlight the complexities of regulating social media platforms in Ghana while ensuring that freedom of expression is protected.
The rapid spread of unverified content on social media platforms can undermine public trust and create unnecessary tension, according to Mr. Bagbin. He urged citizens to verify information before sharing it, emphasizing the importance of responsible digital citizenship. The Speaker also assured that Parliament would continue to support efforts aimed at promoting responsible digital citizenship while ensuring that any future regulation was transparent, proportionate, and subject to public scrutiny.
President Mahama had acknowledged the difficulty of regulating new media without undermining freedom of expression during a Town Hall Meeting with Ghanaians in New York. He emphasized the need for Ghanaians to collectively determine how to address the growing influence of platforms such as TikTok and assess whether existing enforcement mechanisms were adequate. The President's comments reflect the challenges of balancing freedom of expression with the need to regulate social media platforms.
The national conversation on regulating social media platforms is set to continue, with stakeholders expected to engage in a broad and inclusive discussion. Key points to be considered include the need to balance freedom of expression with accountability, the importance of verifying information before sharing it, and the need for any measures adopted to be guided by the Constitution and respect the fundamental rights of citizens.
Key points
- The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, warns against the misuse of freedom of expression to justify threats, incitement, and the spread of false information.
- President John Dramani Mahama initiates a national conversation on the regulation of social media platforms.
- The national conversation aims to balance freedom of expression with accountability and regulate social media platforms effectively.
