Mahama on Cybersecurity Amendment Bill Ghana 2025: Upholding Truth Without Gagging Media Freedom

Introduction

In Ghana’s evolving digital landscape, balancing cybersecurity protections with press freedom is crucial. At the 29th Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) Awards on November 8, 2025, in Manhyia, Kumasi, President John Dramani Mahama clarified the intent behind two key legislative proposals: the Cybersecurity (Amendment) Bill, 2025 and the Misinformation and Disinformation Bill. These bills, currently before Parliament, aim to strengthen Ghana’s cybersecurity framework by addressing cybercrimes like hate speech, defamation, impersonation, and cyberbullying, while safeguarding voters and promoting truth in the digital realm.

Mahama emphasized that these measures are not designed to restrict media freedom or muzzle journalists. Instead, they respond to the dual-edged nature of digital platforms, which democratize information but also enable harmful activities. This speech directly tackled growing concerns from the media sector and civil society about potential threats to free expression. Understanding these bills is essential for anyone interested in Ghana digital governance, press freedom in Ghana, and combating disinformation laws in Africa.

Context of the GJA Awards Event

The GJA Awards celebrate journalistic excellence and provide a platform for dialogue on media challenges. Mahama, a longstanding GJA member, used this occasion to reassure stakeholders, highlighting the government’s commitment to transparent engagement.

Analysis

The President’s address at the GJA Awards offers a pedagogical lens into the tension between digital security and democratic rights. Ghana’s Cybersecurity Amendment Bill 2025 seeks to update existing laws to handle modern threats such as online impersonation and disinformation, which erode public trust. Similarly, the Misinformation and Disinformation Bill targets false narratives that could influence elections or incite division.

Mahama articulated: “These rules are not intended to limit expression, but to safeguard electorate and uphold fact in the virtual realm.” This statement underscores a core principle: digital tools that empower information sharing also amplify risks like cyberbullying in Ghana and hate speech. The bills align Ghana’s framework with global standards for digital governance, ensuring accountability without overreach.

GJA’s Perspective and Calls for Consultation

GJA President Albert Kwabena Dwumfuor, speaking at a press briefing for the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists, supported cybersecurity enhancements but stressed the need for broad consultations. He warned that hasty implementation could undermine press freedom and democratic accountability, advocating input from journalists, digital rights advocates, and media professionals.

Dwumfuor’s caution: “If what the amendment seeks to remedy will irritate the cyber ecosystem, then we should tread cautiously.” This reflects a balanced view, recognizing cybercrime’s rise while prioritizing media safeguards.

Summary

President Mahama’s speech at the 29th GJA Awards reassured Ghana’s media that the Cybersecurity (Amendment) Bill, 2025, and Misinformation and Disinformation Bill protect digital truth without curbing free speech. Addressing GJA and civil society concerns, he pledged transparent stakeholder engagement. The GJA endorses stronger cybersecurity but demands public consultations to prevent unintended curbs on journalism. These bills target cyberbullying, impersonation, and disinformation to foster a secure online environment in Ghana.

Key Points

Practical Advice

For journalists, citizens, and digital users in Ghana, engaging with these bills proactively is key. Here’s pedagogical guidance on navigating disinformation laws Ghana and cybersecurity updates:

For Journalists and Media Professionals

1. Participate in public consultations: Submit feedback via Parliament or GJA channels to ensure balanced legislation.
2. Enhance digital literacy: Use resources like the proposed Media Development Fund for training on verifying facts and ethical reporting.
3. Document concerns: Highlight specific clauses in the Cybersecurity Amendment Bill Ghana 2025 that may impact investigative journalism.

For Citizens and Voters

1. Report cybercrimes: Use official platforms to flag impersonation, hate speech, or disinformation.
2. Verify information: Cross-check sources before sharing to combat misinformation.
3. Stay informed: Follow GJA and government updates on bill progressions.

For Policymakers

Conduct impact assessments to align bills with international human rights standards, ensuring they bolster rather than hinder Ghana digital governance.

Points of Caution

While the bills address legitimate threats, critics fear misuse against dissenting voices or investigative journalism. Key cautions include:

• Rushed Implementation: GJA warns of unintended consequences for media freedom if consultations are inadequate.
• Scope Creep: Provisions on disinformation could be broadly interpreted, affecting legitimate debate.
• Enforcement Balance: Ensuring laws target criminals, not journalists, requires clear guidelines.
• Digital Divide: Measures must consider varying internet access across Ghana to avoid disproportionate impacts.

Mahama’s call for accountability—”When falsehood thrives, democracy suffers”—highlights the need for precision to maintain trust.

Comparison

Ghana’s approach mirrors global efforts to regulate digital spaces. For instance, the European Union’s Digital Services Act (DSA) imposes accountability on platforms for disinformation and hate speech, similar to Ghana’s bills, but includes robust safeguards for free expression via judicial oversight. In Africa, Nigeria’s Cybercrimes Act addresses impersonation and cyberbullying, yet faced criticism for vague provisions affecting journalists—lessons Ghana can apply through consultations.

Key Similarities and Differences

These comparisons emphasize Ghana’s opportunity to craft resilient, rights-respecting laws.

Legal Implications

As bills before Parliament, they hold direct legal weight if passed. The Cybersecurity Amendment Bill Ghana 2025 would amend existing laws to criminalize specific online harms, potentially introducing penalties for violations. The Misinformation and Disinformation Bill could define offenses related to false information, with implications for platforms and individuals.

Potential Constitutional Challenges

Under Ghana’s 1992 Constitution (Article 162), press freedom is guaranteed. Any vague clauses could face judicial review, as seen in past media cases. Transparent processes, as pledged by Mahama, mitigate risks of violating free expression rights.

Enactment would require alignment with international obligations like the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, ensuring proportionality in restrictions.

Conclusion

President Mahama’s assurances at the GJA Awards affirm that Ghana’s Cybersecurity (Amendment) Bill, 2025, and Misinformation and Disinformation Bill prioritize truth and security over censorship. By committing to consultations and media support via the Media Development Fund, the government signals a path toward balanced digital governance. Stakeholders must engage actively to refine these laws, ensuring they combat cyberbullying Ghana and disinformation while upholding press freedom. This balanced approach positions Ghana as a leader in responsible digital regulation in Africa.

For ongoing updates on Mahama press freedom initiatives and GJA advocacy, monitor official channels. Informed participation strengthens democracy in the digital age.

FAQ