Court of Appeal Justice Calls for Stringent Legal Regime to Combat Social Media Offences

In a bid to address the escalating challenges posed by social media transgressions, a distinguished Judge of the African Court and Justice of the Court of Appeal, Professor Justice Sir Dennis Dominic Adjei, has proposed groundbreaking legislation targeting social media offences within Ghana. His proposal, aimed at enhancing legal frameworks concerning digital misdemeanors, was presented during the 5th Faculty of Law Eminent Legal Scholars and Lawyers Public Lecture Series held on Wednesday, March 27, 2024, at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST).

Professor Adjei’s keynote address at the lecture series underscored the necessity of adapting legal mechanisms to the evolving landscape of digital communication. He emphasized the need for concerted efforts to mitigate the negative impacts of social media, including cyberbullying and the dissemination of sensitive information, by rendering certain social media offences universal, irrespective of geographic location.

Highlighting the transformative power of social media, Professor Adjei acknowledged its significant contributions to freedom of speech and communication. However, he cautioned against the destructive consequences arising from irresponsible use, such as excessive addiction and cyberbullying.

Consequently, he urged Ghana to adopt measures to make social media offences universal, advocating for extradition treaties to prosecute offenders residing abroad. Addressing the audience at the lecture series themed “Freedom of Expression and its Legal Consequences in the Era of Social Media,” Acting Dean of the Faculty of Law at KNUST, Dr. Chris Adomako-Kwakye, echoed Professor Adjei’s concerns over the negative repercussions of social media.

He cautioned participants to navigate social media cautiously to avoid unpleasant legal consequences, emphasizing the need for regulatory measures to address its misuse. The provost of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences at KNUST, Professor Charles Ofosu Marfo, reiterated the importance of curbing social media-related menaces.

He emphasized the role of stakeholders and institutions in promoting responsible usage of social media and digital citizenship, advocating for clear standards and policies to guide ethical conduct online. Professor Adjei’s proposal reflects a proactive approach toward safeguarding digital integrity, promoting responsible online conduct, and upholding the rule of law in contemporary society.

As Ghana grapples with the challenges posed by social media, his recommendations serve as a catalyst for critical reflection and action in addressing digital misdemeanors.