The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Narrowlite International Company Limited, Samuel Kwame Adomako, has called for decisive legal action against individuals who misuse social media platforms to perpetrate abuse, defamation, and other harmful activities. He said the growing rate of online misconduct in Ghana demands urgent intervention to protect individuals and safeguard the integrity of public discourse.
Speaking in an interview with Akoma News, Mr. Adomako noted that although Ghana’s Cyber Security Act, 2020, provides legal avenues for dealing with online abuse, it does not go far enough to effectively deter offenders. He stressed that stricter regulation of social media platforms and more punitive measures for violators are necessary to curb the menace.
“Social media is a powerful tool for national development and positive engagement, but it is being increasingly misused by some individuals to destroy reputations, incite hatred, and spread false information. If this trend is allowed to continue without firm consequences, we will not only damage individuals but also undermine our social fabric,” he warned.
Mr. Adomako explained that while some discussions have floated the idea of offenders paying additional data costs as a form of penalty, this is not yet part of Ghana’s legal framework. Instead, he believes that those who engage in online abuse should face clear legal consequences — including fines or even imprisonment — depending on the gravity of the offense.
He acknowledged that implementing such penalties would require robust monitoring and enforcement systems, as well as safeguards to protect user privacy. He therefore called for a coordinated effort between government agencies, technology companies, and civil society organizations to promote responsible online behavior, enhance digital literacy, and hold offenders accountable.
Mr. Adomako concluded by emphasizing that freedom of speech should not be used as a license for abuse. He insisted that enforcing the law against online offenders is not about silencing opinions, but about ensuring that public expression is exercised responsibly and within the limits of the law.
