I write this petition out of deep concern.

The European Union, together with its partners, is organizing the West Africa Regional Bloggers Forum under the theme “Reducing Commercialization of Disinformation through Responsible Blogging and Content Creation.” It is a theme many of us believe in. It is necessary. It is timely.

That is why the inclusion of Albert Hyde as part of this program is troubling.

Albert Hyde is widely known in Ghana’s digital space not for responsible blogging, but for online abuse and the spread of false information. He has built recognition through trolling and character attacks. More importantly, he has been found guilty of libel on two separate occasions.

Responsible blogging demands credibility. It demands ethical conduct. It demands accountability.

When someone with a proven record of libel and online misconduct is elevated onto a platform designed to combat disinformation, it sends the wrong message. It creates confusion. It undermines the credibility of the very objective the forum seeks to achieve.

This is not about personal dislike. It is about standards.

Young bloggers are watching. Content creators across West Africa are watching. If someone known for abuse and falsification is showcased in a forum on responsible content creation, what lesson are we teaching? That notoriety is acceptable? That consequences do not matter? That controversy is a qualification?

Promoting such a figure risks normalizing harmful online behavior. It risks encouraging negative blogging rather than reforming it.

We respectfully call on the European Union and its partners to reconsider this decision. There are many credible, responsible, and ethical digital voices across West Africa who embody the values this forum seeks to promote.

This program should reward integrity, not controversy.

We urge the organizers to withdraw Albert Hyde from this platform and uphold the principles of responsible digital engagement.

Responsible blogging must not only be discussed. It must be demonstrated.

Sign this petition if you believe standards matter.

 

By: Isaac Kyei Andoh