New Patriotic Party (NPP) legislator for Ofoase-Ayirebi, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, has sounded the alarm over Ghana’s proposed Cybersecurity Bill, warning that the legislation could undermine fundamental freedoms and restrict open discourse online.
Oppong Nkrumah believes certain clauses risk criminalising digital expression, reversing decades of progress away from punishing speech in democratic societies.
Engaging with reporters in Accra over the weekend, the former Information Minister labelled portions of the bill as “dangerous,” arguing that the draft could violate privacy, discourage dissent, and expose citizens—including participants in private messaging groups—to prosecution or imprisonment for online remarks perceived as offensive or unwelcome.
“What we are seeing appears to be a draft and that they want to consult on that draft,” he said. “From what I have seen as a former information minister, this draft is dangerous.”
He called on the government to withdraw the bill for a comprehensive review, stating that current criminal statutes related to speech should be eliminated rather than reinforced.
Referencing the scrapping of the Criminal Libel and Sedition Act under the Kufuor administration, Oppong Nkrumah noted that Ghana previously chose to advance free expression by removing punitive speech laws.
He argued that instead of introducing new criminal penalties through cybersecurity rules, the country should rely on civil processes to handle harmful speech and false information.
The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) has taken a similar stance, cautioning that the bill—currently before the Parliamentary Communications Committee—could hand sweeping powers to the Cyber Security Authority (CSA). These include authority for secret monitoring of journalists, confiscation of equipment, freezing of assets for up to 180 days without notification, and prosecution without strong judicial oversight.
Addressing the media in Accra on Monday, November 3, 2025, GJA President Albert Dwumfour issued a stern warning, describing the bill as a direct threat to media freedom, editorial independence, and source confidentiality.
He condemned ambiguous offenses and broad enforcement tools, warning that they “risk being used to undermine journalism, criminalise legitimate online reporting, enable surveillance of journalists and sources, and undermine press freedom.”
Dwumfour pointed to examples from other countries where similar laws have been used against critical journalists and whistle-blowers.
He noted that giving the CSA prosecutorial power without robust safeguards invites political interference and selective targeting of the media. Dwumfour further cautioned that takedown requirements and liability rules could push platforms and publishers to censor content prematurely to avoid punishment.
The Ministry of Communications, Digital Technology, and Innovation has dismissed claims that the bill is a threat to free expression.
Ministry officials insist the revisions are designed to bolster Ghana’s cyber-defense capabilities, protect the public, and respond to modern digital risks, including AI-driven scams, blockchain fraud, and online abuse.
According to the ministry, the reforms are necessary to secure the digital ecosystem and counter rising cybercrime. Authorities say consultations are ongoing and additional stakeholder engagement will take place.
Critics maintain that the legislation, as drafted, lacks precise language, solid judicial oversight, and explicit protections for journalists and civic groups.
Dwumfour emphasised that “without clear legal protections, journalists could be arrested or prosecuted simply for doing their work,” citing incidents in Nigeria and Uganda as cautionary examples.
Both Oppong Nkrumah and the GJA are pushing for a thorough re-examination of the bill, inclusion of strong free-speech guarantees, and broad-based national dialogue before passage. They insist that cybersecurity progress must not come at the expense of constitutional liberties.
“The media will always seek to protect the constitutionally guaranteed rights that are not taken away from us,” Dwumfour stated, urging a transparent national conversation to refine the legislation and protect democratic values.
