Honorary Vice President of IMANI Africa, Bright Simons, has stressed the need for Ghana to clearly distinguish between hate speech and incitement in order to safeguard free expression while protecting national security.

He made the remarks on JoyNews’s Newsfile programme on Saturday, September 13, in response to President Mahama’s announcement of new measures to monitor online abuse.

Mr Simons explained that while hate speech is offensive and divisive, incitement carries the greater danger of provoking violence and unrest.

“We have to be very clear in our minds where hate speech ends and where incitement begins. Hate speech is unpleasant, but incitement is where the line is crossed, and that is what threatens public order,” he argued.

His comments followed President Mahama’s disclosure that the National Signals Bureau (NSB) has been equipped with advanced technology to track individuals who spread hate via social media, using the IP addresses of their devices.

While acknowledging the government’s concerns, Mr Simons cautioned that such surveillance must not erode civil liberties.

“We should not create an environment where ordinary citizens feel criminalised for expressing themselves. The real focus must be on those who deliberately incite violence,” he noted.

Mr Simons urged policymakers and civil society to work together to develop clear legal definitions and safeguards.

“If we fail to draw this line properly, we risk undermining democratic freedoms while at the same time not effectively tackling the real danger, which is incitement to violence,” he said.