Inusah Fuseini has raised tough questions about accountability in the era of new media, suggesting that Ghana must find ways to regulate online content creators without stifling legitimate expression.
The former Member of Parliament for Tamale Central observed that the digital space has created what he described as “a new crop of journalists”, individuals with phones, cameras, and platforms but little responsibility.
“Anybody with a phone and a camera can report news or comment on national issues. Now the point is, who holds those people responsible?” he asked on JoyNews’ Newsfile during a panel discussion.
Fuseini argued that while traditional journalism operates under ethical codes and editorial oversight, online platforms such as YouTube channels and social media pages often evade accountability.
“Sometimes I sit on this platform and say things, and I go and read things that somebody has written, and you want to check the byline, who is that person?
‘The Marvellous TV’, who is that? Nobody should have the right to sit in the corner of his room and create content meant for public consumption without any iota of responsibility,” he said.
The former MP emphasised the need for regulations tailored to digital creators. “We must start making regulations for this new media,” he said, adding that such steps would be crucial to building a “civilised, sane society”.
However, he cautioned that any framework must carefully balance freedom of expression with the duty to act responsibly.
“If you want to create a civilised, sane society, people should be responsible. We must find a way to balance the need for people to exercise their right to speech and also balance that with the requirements of responsibility,” Fuseini explained.
