President John Dramani Mahama has announced that the National Signal Bureau (NSB) has been granted full authority to monitor and arrest individuals who misuse social media to spread hate speech or incite violence.
The announcement was made on Wednesday, September 10, during the Presidential Encounter with the media at the Jubilee House. The President described the measure as part of the government’s renewed commitment to safeguarding national peace and security in the face of rising digital threats.
According to President Mahama, while Ghana upholds freedom of expression as a democratic right, this freedom must not be abused to create division, fuel hatred, or threaten national stability.
“Social media is a powerful tool, but it should be used responsibly. Those who exploit it to incite violence or spread hate speech will face the full force of the law,” Mahama cautioned.
The directive empowers the NSB to step up surveillance on digital platforms, track online misconduct, and take enforcement actions against offenders. Analysts say the move demonstrates government’s heightened concern about the influence of harmful online content on national cohesion, especially given the speed and reach of digital communication.
Security experts believe the decision could serve as a deterrent against individuals or groups seeking to exploit social media for destabilizing purposes. However, they also advise that such measures should be balanced with safeguards to ensure citizens’ rights to free expression are not unduly restricted.
President Mahama, in his address, called on citizens, particularly young people, to use social media responsibly to promote unity and development. He urged Ghanaians to leverage digital platforms for innovation, education, and entrepreneurship rather than for spreading falsehoods or promoting conflict.
This latest directive reflects a broader global conversation about the regulation of online spaces, where governments increasingly seek ways to curb harmful digital activities without stifling constructive dialogue and creativity.
With the NSB’s new mandate, Ghana joins the ranks of countries adopting stronger oversight mechanisms to manage the challenges posed by the digital age. The coming months are expected to test the effectiveness of this approach in balancing national security with democratic freedoms.
