Gabby Asare Otchere-Darko, Founder and Executive Chairman of the Africa Prosperity Network (APN), has cautioned that rapid technological advancement in Ghana’s media space is eroding professionalism and presenting fresh challenges for regulation and free expression.

According to him, while the growth of digital media and the emergence of bloggers have expanded access to information, they have also altered the traditional norms that guided journalistic practice.

Reflecting on the evolution of the media industry in Ghana, Mr. Otchere-Darko, who is also a media owner, said technology has moved far ahead of regulatory frameworks, making it difficult to effectively manage content without infringing on fundamental freedoms.

Speaking on the Upside Down Show with Frema Adunyame on Sunday, February 1, he noted that regulation in the media space must be approached with caution.

“Technology is always ahead of regulation. I think we are getting there. There is some sort of self-regulation, not with those who put out the content, but the ones who receive it,” he said.

He warned that poorly designed regulations could undermine freedom of speech, even though that freedom should not be abused.

“If you get into the area of regulation, and you are not careful, then you stifle the freedom of speech. It doesn’t mean freedom of speech means you can get away with anything,” he stated.

Mr. Otchere-Darko further highlighted the reputational damage caused by unverified content on social media, noting that false information often spreads faster than corrections.

“They put things about you on social media, and others will Google your name, and your image is tarnished. When you try to correct it, it does not have the same traction, and it’s not sensational,” he said.

He added that responding to such content can sometimes worsen the situation.

“Sometimes, your reaction to it even gives it more traction, and the decision to not mind it becomes difficult. I think you should look at it on a case-by-case basis,” he said.

Mr. Otchere-Darko added that media owners should adopt the emerging technologies and practices of the media to stay in business or risk going out of business.