By King Amoah
Alhaji Musa Abubakari, Chairman of a pro Muslim Non Governmental Organisation (NGO) dubbed Muslim Executive Foundation has issued a powerful call for the government to collaborate with the Parliament to enact stringent laws that aimed at reining in the rampant misuse of social media platforms.
Speaking to the correspondent as a concerned citizen, Alhaji Abubakari highlighted the escalating menace posed by irresponsible blogging and the urgent need for a legal framework to ensure accountability and safeguard national unity.
In an exclusive interview, Chairman Musa expressed worry about the escalating trend in which some bloggers flagrantly disregard the ethical standards that govern online communication.
He lamented the daily occurrence of citizens who wake up to read provoking and defamatory articles against individuals with the perpetrators largely escape accountability.
This he noted contributes to an environment of digital impunity that erodes trust and fosters social discord.
Alhaji Musa Abubakari, who also serves as the Chief Executive Officer of Basfam Company Ltd in Kumasi, pointed out that the problem has deepened significantly.
Some bloggers, he observed have gone as far as delving into people’s privacy amidst distracting them with unfounded articles.
He further decried how social media has become a breeding grounds for tribalism with insults on even the President, Chiefs, and prominent personalities, frequently becoming daily headlines chipping away at national cohesion and respect for authority.
Chairman Abubakari reiterated that instead of fostering an environment of forgiveness and reconciliation rivalries often resort to social media to disgrace one another,.
Stressing that such actions exacerbate conflicts rather than resolving them.
In his stark assessment he said vulgar language and unsubstantiated articles are dangerous for peaceful coexistence.
He cautioned that such practices have the tendency to create disunity and hamper the development of a nation.
To put an end to this harmful behaviour which he believes has characterised certain bloggers Alhaji Abubakari made a fervent appeal to the authorities.
He stressed the urgent need for the government and Parliament to come out with measures that would discourage bloggers from publishing defamatory articles on their social media channels underscoring the importance of proactive intervention before an unexpected happens in the country.
Alhaji Musa Abubakari’s call serves as a timely reminder of the dual nature of social media – a powerful tool for connection and information, but also a potent weapon for misinformation and division. His plea for a collaborative legislative approach by the government and Parliament highlights a growing national concern, underscoring the necessity for clear legal frameworks to ensure responsible online conduct and safeguard Ghana’s peace and unity.Ē
