The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) has raised strong concerns about portions of the Cybersecurity (Amendment) Bill, 2025, cautioning that its current form could undermine press freedom and free speech if not carefully reviewed.
The Cybersecurity (Amendment) Bill, 2025, aims to tackle new online threats and align Ghana’s laws with international standards.
However, growing concerns from sections of the media, civil society, and the parliamentary minority suggest the bill could be exploited to silence dissent or intimidate journalists critical of government actions.
Speaking at a press briefing on Monday, November 3, to commemorate the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists, GJA President Albert Kwabena Dwumfuor said that while strengthening Ghana’s digital security is crucial, the process must not erode fundamental rights.
“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 urged.
Mr. Dwumfuor warned Parliament and policymakers against rushing the amendment, stressing that legislation intended to enhance cybersecurity should not end up stifling legitimate journalism or public discourse. “If what the amendment seeks to cure will worsen the cyber ecosystem, then we must tread cautiously,” he cautioned.
He reiterated that the media remains a cornerstone of Ghana’s democracy, adding that any attempt to restrict it under the pretext of cyber regulation would weaken accountability and transparency.
The GJA is therefore calling on Parliament to engage journalists, digital rights advocates, civil society groups, and technology experts in refining the bill to balance digital safety with freedom of expression.
