The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) has raised serious concerns over the proposed Cybersecurity (Amendment) Bill, 2025, cautioning that some provisions could undermine press freedom and free expression if passed without proper consultation.
Speaking on Monday, November 3, during the commemoration of the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists, GJA President Albert Kwabena Dwumfuor said the Association supports efforts to strengthen Ghana’s cybersecurity framework. However, he stressed that national security must not come at the expense of constitutional rights and media independence.
“We call for broad engagement, public consultation, and education to fine-tune the bill so that every sector directly impacted understands and contributes to it in the public interest,” Dwumfuor stated.
He warned that rushing the amendment process could have unintended consequences. “If what the amendment seeks to cure will worsen the cyber ecosystem, then we must tread cautiously,” he added.
The GJA President reiterated that the media remains a cornerstone of Ghana’s democracy, serving as a watchdog for transparency and accountability. Any attempt to limit these freedoms under the pretext of cybersecurity reform, he said, would damage the nation’s democratic fabric.
“The GJA and the media will always protect these guaranteed rights and ensure that they are not taken from us,” Dwumfuor affirmed.
He called on Parliament to engage journalists, civil society groups, digital rights advocates, and technology experts to refine the bill so it enhances online safety without infringing on free speech.
The proposed Cybersecurity (Amendment) Bill, 2025, aims to strengthen Ghana’s defenses against cyber threats, enhance regulatory oversight, and align with international best practices. However, sections of the media, the parliamentary minority, and civil society organizations have warned that vague provisions could be misused to target journalists and critics of government actions.
As debate over the bill intensifies, the GJA maintains that any law meant to protect citizens online must also safeguard their right to speak freely.