The President of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), Albert Kwabena Dwumfuor, has expressed serious concerns over the proposed amendments to Ghana’s Cybersecurity Bill, cautioning that they may threaten press freedom and the right to free expression. Speaking in Accra on Monday during the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists, Dwumfuor emphasized the importance of safeguarding constitutional rights amid efforts to strengthen the country’s cyber laws. He urged for a more inclusive and transparent process that involves broad consultations to avoid unintended consequences on democratic freedoms.
Dwumfuor acknowledged the necessity of updating the cybersecurity framework to tackle emerging threats but insisted that such reforms must not come at the expense of media independence. “We call for broad engagement, public consultation, and education to fine-tune the bill to ensure that every sector directly impacted understands and makes the needed input in the public interest,” he said. His remarks highlight a growing anxiety within the journalism community that the amendments, if rushed or poorly designed, could be exploited to suppress dissent and limit the watchdog role of the press.
The GJA President also warned lawmakers against hasty decisions, advocating a cautious approach to avoid worsening the country’s cyber environment. He said, “If what the amendment seeks to cure will worsen the cyber ecosystem, then we must tread cautiously.” This caution reflects concerns that the bill, rather than protecting digital spaces, might create new legal tools for harassment or censorship of journalists and critics, thereby weakening public accountability.
Dwumfuor called on Parliament to actively engage with journalists, civil society, and technology experts during the bill’s finalization process. He stressed that their input is critical to balance the need for digital safety with the protection of fundamental rights. According to him, the media’s role is vital for Ghana’s democracy as it holds power to account and ensures transparency, roles that must not be undermined under the pretext of cybersecurity reform.
The Cybersecurity (Amendment) Bill, 2025, seeks to address evolving online threats and align Ghana’s regulations with global standards, but the bill has drawn pushback from various quarters, including media groups and opposition legislators. These critics warn that, without adequate safeguards, the law could be misused to target government critics and stifle freedom of expression. The ongoing debate underscores the delicate challenge of balancing national security with democratic freedoms in an increasingly digital world.
Source: Ohemaa Adusi-Poku