Ghanaian experts call for digital media regulation

Experts and analysts in Ghana are calling for increased regulation and the implementation of a national Digital Media Policy to address the rapid growth of social media and protect vulnerable users.

Political and health policy analyst Ivan Kyei Innocent noted that social media has outgrown traditional media in reach and influence. He argued that while free expression is vital to democracy, the space requires guardrails to ensure accountability. His comments follow the “Ghana Jollof” TikTok controversy, which involved legal scrutiny over the circulation of videos related to alleged coup plots.

In a separate discussion regarding content creation, digital marketing strategist Maximus Ametorgoh and legal counsel Desmond Israel emphasized the need for specific protections for children. They warned that the current lack of a dedicated digital media policy leaves young influencers exposed to cyber-bullying, data privacy violations, and unauthorized commercial profiling. Recommendations include establishing statutory age limits for social media use and implementing actionable guidelines for how content involving minors is produced and shared.