Tech expert and founder of the Norgence IT Academy, Albert Naa, has encouraged social media users to utilize the protection policies and guidelines of available social media platforms to help combat the growing trend of hate speech and polarizing narratives in Ghana, particularly ahead of the December 7 general election.
Mr. Naa explained that social media platforms have implemented various policies to counter hate speech and polarizing narratives.
These measures typically involve identifying and removing harmful content through automated systems and human moderators. Platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, he said, have clear community guidelines that prohibit hate speech, including posts that incite violence, promote discrimination, or target individuals or groups based on protected characteristics such as race, religion, or gender.
Mr. Naa reminded social media users to use the reporting systems to flag offensive content for review for potential violations.
To further combat the spread of hate speech and divisive content, social media companies have partnered with fact-checking organizations and implemented stricter verification processes for users and content.
Some platforms also restrict the reach of accounts that repeatedly violate hate speech policies, limiting their visibility and impact. In response to growing concerns, platforms are focusing on promoting digital literacy, offering educational resources to users, and encouraging more responsible content sharing.
Mr. Naa made these comments at a forum on “Countering Hate Speech and Polarizing Narratives to Foster Democratic Consolidation and Peace in Ghana.” The forum attracted students from several senior high schools in the Upper East Region, as well as members of some political parties.
The event was organized by A1 Radio, with funding from the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) through its “Countering Hate Speech and Polarizing Narratives to Foster Democratic Consolidation and Peace in Ghana” project.
The project seeks to support radio stations in educating the public, promoting a culture of tolerance, and encouraging responsible information sharing. Its goal is to counter divisive and toxic narratives, especially during the election period, and foster inclusive political discourse to strengthen Ghana’s democracy.
While some apps have implemented guidelines, Mr. Naa challenged the government and its tech-affiliated organizations, like the Cyber Security Authority, to do more for the Ghanaian people.
“We must have the Cyber Security Authority dealing directly with some of the issues that affect Ghanaians and then push some of the tech companies to implement them to protect Ghanaians,” he said.
Mr. Naa believes that beyond pushing for more regulation to counter hate speech and polarizing narratives, state institutions like the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) must expand their roles to allow them to begin educating social media users on how to counter hate speech.
The tech expert also challenged parents to be more observant and involved in what their children use technology for.
“Parents give their children mobile phones to do their homework, and there are no restrictions. Parental guidance is available on all phones, but how many parents know or use this?” he asked.
Source: A1Radioonline.com|101.1Mhz|Mark Kwasi Ahumah Smith|Bolgatanga|
