President Mahama Will Not Ban Social Media On Election Day!

The New Democratic Congress (NDC) flagbearer President John Dramani Mahama has announced his office has no intention of banning social media on Election Day, December 7 2016.


This ends the debate on whether or! not there would be a social media shut down on the day.

The Inspector General of Police, John Kudalor had earlier suggested that a social media blackout on was being considered as a way to counter the activities of potential ‘troublemakers’ who might disrupt the election process using these platforms.

“At one stage I said that if it becomes critical on the eve and also on the Election Day, we shall block all social media as other countries have done. We’re thinking about it,” John Kudalor had said.

The IGP’s comments had generated widespread criticism from the general public who felt such an action would represent suppression of freedom of speech.

The Centre for Democratic Development (CDD) among other pro-democracy bodies criticized the Police Chief’s words describing the idea as ‘undemocratic.

The United Nations (UN) also waded into the debate, stating that they would oppose any attempt to block social media ahead of the elections.


The special representative of the United Nations (UN) Secretary General for West Africa and the Sahel, Mohammed Ibn Chambas said: “I should say without hesitation that from a UN point of view, we would be obviously averse to any steps that will amount to restricting the democratic space, particularly any steps that will be taken to restrict the freedom of expression.”

Providing clarity on the matter at his party’s campaign launch on Sunday August 14, 2016, Mahama said “my office has no intention of shutting down social media”