The Bono East Regional Peace Council in collaboration with Techiman Municipal Assembly organised an engagement with media houses on hate speech and other forms of indecent expression on Tuesday, 1st September, 2026 at the Bonokyempem Hall.
The engagement brought together media practitioners, representatives of public institutions and officials of the Bono East Regional Peace Council to deliberate on the implications of hate speech, responsible media practice, human rights and the role of the media in promoting peace and social cohesion.
The programme was particularly relevant given the influential role of the media in shaping public opinion and promoting constructive dialogue on issues affecting communities.
The engagement sought to:
1. Strengthen media practitioners’ understanding of hate speech and other forms of indecent expression.
2. Promote responsible media practice.
3. Increase awareness of the relationship between hate speech, human rights and peace.
4. Encourage media practitioners to uphold professional standards in their work.
5. Promote respect for human rights and responsible freedom of expression.
6. Encourage the media to contribute positively to peace and social cohesion.
The participants were drawn from various institutions and media organisations, including the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), Techiman Municipal Assembly, Ghana Journalists Association and the Bono East Regional Peace Council.
Representatives from various media houses also participated in the engagement. These included practitioners from radio and television stations within the municipality and the wider Bono East Region.
The participation of the media practitioners provided an opportunity for them to share their experiences and discuss some of the challenges associated with reporting and broadcasting on sensitive issues.
Nana Kwaku Kumi, the Director of the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) delivered the keynote address on Hate Speech, Human Rights and the Responsibilities of the Media.
The address focused on the relationship between freedom of expression and the responsibility of media practitioners to respect the rights and dignity of others.
Participants were reminded that although freedom of expression is an important right, the exercise of that freedom comes with responsibilities. Media practitioners were therefore encouraged to exercise care and professionalism when dealing with sensitive matters that have the potential to create tension or undermine peaceful coexistence.
The address also highlighted the importance of human rights in media practice and encouraged journalists to ensure that their work does not unnecessarily expose individuals or groups to discrimination, hostility or intolerance.
Mr. Mohammed Nezomdeen made a presentation on “Hate Speech and Other Forms of Indecent Expression.”
The presentation examined the nature of hate speech and other forms of inappropriate expression and their possible effects on individuals, communities and society.
The facilitator emphasised the responsibility of media practitioners to exercise professional judgement when gathering, producing and disseminating information. Participants were encouraged to consider the possible consequences of their choice of words and the manner in which sensitive issues are presented to the public.
The presentation further underscored the importance of promoting tolerance, respect and peaceful communication through media platforms.
Based on the discussions, it is recommended that:
1. Regular sensitisation programmes should be organised for media practitioners on hate speech, human rights and responsible journalism.
2. Media houses should strengthen editorial oversight to ensure that content broadcast or published meets professional and ethical standards.
3. Media practitioners should exercise restraint when reporting on issues involving ethnic, religious, political or community tensions.
4. The Bono East Regional Peace Council should maintain regular engagement with media houses to promote peacebuilding and responsible public communication.
5. Media platforms should be used to promote tolerance and peaceful coexistence, particularly during periods of heightened social or political tension.
6. Relevant institutions should collaborate with media organisations to educate the public on the dangers of hate speech and other forms of indecent expression.
The engagement with media houses on hate speech provided a useful platform for dialogue among media practitioners and relevant stakeholders on responsible communication, human rights and peacebuilding.
The discussions reinforced the important role of the media in promoting peaceful coexistence and preventing the escalation of tensions through responsible reportage and public communication.
It is therefore important that similar engagements continue to be organised to strengthen the capacity of media practitioners and deepen collaboration between media organisations and peace building institutions in the Bono East Region.
