Ace Ghanaian broadcaster, Gifty Afenyi-Dadzie, has entreated the media to partner relevant stakeholders to monitor the social media space, especially during the election period.

This, she said, is to ensure that social media is not used as a tool to propagate violence or disseminate misinformation in the country.

“It is true that most ideas generated in the public space are about sports, culture, fashion, gossip and commerce, etc. but we know for a fact, however, that in an election season, many more will use social media to articulate their views on politics.

“We don't need new laws to regulate social media but the GJA working with all the relevant stakeholders can monitor the public sphere and promote key ethical considerations for reflections,” she said.

She made the remark at an event held on Wednesday, May 3, 2023, in commemoration of International Press Freedom Day.

This year’s celebration was held on the theme: “Shaping a Future of Rights; Freedom of Expression, A Driver For all Human Rights for Ghana’s Development.”

While acknowledging the important role social media plays in ensuring freedom of speech, she stressed on the need to ensure that the tool is not used to undermine the peace and stability in the country.

“Increasingly, social media has assumed prominence and high patronage in Ghana; a challenge that goes beyond the GJA and which must be of paramount interest to all of us,” she said.

A communication platform such as social media is persuasive, and often works to change or influence opinions when it comes to political views because of the abundance of ideas, thoughts, and opinions circulating through the platform. It is also a tool that enhances free speech given its global accessibility.

In view of this, she entreated the media to find ways to deal with “the excesses of social media especially in approaching the election year.”