The Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, has charged broadcast journalists, bloggers, content creators and influencers to exercise a high sense of responsibility in their work, warning that the unchecked spread of insults and disinformation is poisoning Ghana’s democracy.
Addressing Parliament, the Speaker said the media landscape has changed drastically, with many digital platforms and personalities now commanding large audiences and huge influence without operating under clear editorial standards, ethics or accountability.
He said while freedom of expression is guaranteed, it must not be confused with freedom to abuse, defame and incite.
The Speaker observed that public debate in recent times has shifted from ideas to insults.
“Disagreement is no longer expressed through reasoned argument but through insults, with opponents treated as enemies. Personal abuse is substituted for engagement with ideas. Allegations are repeated without regard to their truth or consequences. Ethnic insinuations, invective and language deliberately calculated to incite others are amplified through these platforms with extraordinary speed and reach,” he stated.
The Speaker said Parliament will be keenly interested in the dialogue, which is expected to bring together the National Media Commission, Ghana Police Service, GJA, MFWA, broadcasters, bloggers, influencers, legal experts, religious bodies, civil society and representatives of tech platforms.
The Speaker noted that Parliament itself must take a hard look within, as its members are norm-setters whose words travel far beyond the chamber.
“I believe Parliament must take a look within as we call upon journalists, broadcasters, bloggers, content creators and citizens to exercise responsibility. We cannot credibly demand higher standards of public discourse in the society if we are unwilling to demand those standards of ourselves,” he said.
“The way we speak in the chamber travels far beyond this world. Our press conferences, interviews, public meetings and social media engagements help to set the tone of national discourse.”
He said robust criticism of government, opposition, institutions and public office holders remains legitimate and essential in a democracy, but deliberate language calculated to demean persons or institutions is an affront to democracy.
The Speaker has given notice that Parliament will take concrete steps to address the menace, as the country works toward guidelines on ethical online content, media literacy, complaints and redress mechanisms, and responsible digital communication.
