By: Benjamin Nii Nai Anyetei
A Member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Legal Team, Nii Kpakpo Samoa Addo, has urged the National Media Commission (NMC) and relevant state institutions to introduce clear policies to regulate the activities of bloggers and freelance online publishers.
Speaking on GBC’s ‘Current Agenda’ show on Saturday, August 23, 2025, Mr. Addo expressed concern about the growing trend of unauthorized recordings and leaks of private conversations, including those involving senior public officials. He warned that the practice is both dangerous and destabilizing if left unchecked.
“There is a balance between the right to privacy, the right to free speech, and the responsibility of the media. If we are not careful, we may be very surprised at the kinds of private matters that become public,” he cautioned.
Mr. Addo stressed that while Ghana’s 1992 Constitution guarantees media freedom, it was written at a time when traditional journalism was dominant, operating within editorial checks and professional standards. In contrast, he said, today’s digital media landscape is largely unregulated, allowing bloggers and online platforms to circulate sensitive material without accountability.
He further suggested that government and stakeholders consider legal reforms, not to criminalize free expression but to provide civil remedies and proper guidelines that balance press freedom with individual privacy rights.
“It is about time we developed a clear framework. Unauthorized recordings should not be taken lightly, and we need laws that protect both free speech and the dignity of citizens,” Mr. Addo added.
His remarks come amid public debate on the role of social media and online journalism in Ghana’s democratic space, and the increasing tension between privacy, accountability, and press freedom.
