Konor of Manya Krobo Traditional Area and President of the Eastern Regional House of Chiefs, Nene Sakite II, has expressed disappointment in the parliament of Ghana for failing to implement recommendations he made on protected speech.
Nene Sakite II realised this when he delivered the keynote address at a public forum on Media, Peace and Democratic Consolidation in Ghana, organized by the Media Foundation for West Africa.
He recalled that during a similar forum, he had urged Parliament to enact a law that discourages hate speech, particularly among politicians and their supporters, especially as the country approached general elections.
“During my last encounter with you, I posed a challenge to Parliament. I said we need a law that discourages hate speech, especially among politicians and their followers. I encouraged you to consider what kind of speech is protected and where the limits lie…….Well, here we are, and we’re still waiting for Parliament to come out with regulations on what kind of speech is protected and where the limits lie”, he remarked.
He emphasized that despite his call for regulations to define the boundaries of protected speech, Parliament has yet to take action on this critical issue.
With the nation now in the midst of an election period, he underscored the urgency of addressing hate speech and misinformation, warning that democracy does not grant the freedom to engage in unchecked insults and harmful rhetoric.
“We are now in an election period, and we cannot tolerate hate speech and misinformation in this country anymore. Yes, we are in a democracy, but that does not give you the opportunity to say what you want without limits. It does not give you the opportunity to come out with insults; that must stop”, he said.
Nene Sakite II also directed his remarks to journalists, urging them to maintain a positive and optimistic approach in their reporting.
He stressed the importance of truthfulness in journalism, noting that what is printed in Ghana can have global implications.
The traditional leader reminded the media of their crucial role in strengthening Ghana’s young democracy and called on them to focus on promoting peace and stability, warning against actions that could undermine the security of the nation.
“I urge you journalists to be positive and optimistic in your reporting. You have your own values but always report positively. That will help build a strong democracy. We are a young democracy, and I’m sure you can make it strong. Be aware that whatever you print goes around the world, so ensure that it is the truth, and nothing else but the truth”, Nene Sakite urged.
He highlighted the need for a renewed commitment to peace, similar to the accord signed by major political parties four years ago, and urged journalists to play their part in fostering a stable and harmonious society.
The forum was organized by the Media Foundation for West Africa with funding from the US Embassy in Ghana to discuss the challenges of hate speech and mis/disinformation, polarisation and communal violence in Ghana in the context of the 7 December elections and profer solutions.
The Forum was also attended by both state and non-state actors including the National Peace Council, political parties and some Civil Society Organizations as well as state security agencies.
