Digital Harassment Against Women MPs Undermines Democracy – GenCED – Life Pulse Daily

Introduction

The rise of digital harassment targeting women Members of Parliament (MPs) in Ghana is increasingly undermining democratic participation and discouraging women from engaging in public service. The Gender Centre for Empowering Development (GenCED) has strongly condemned the escalating cyberbullying and online abuse directed at female legislators, warning that such attacks not only harm individuals but also threaten the very fabric of inclusive governance.

Key Points

Background

In recent months, Ghana has witnessed a troubling surge in online abuse targeting women in Parliament. Female MPs, including Millicent Amankwah Yeboah, Member of Parliament for Sunyani West, have faced sustained ridicule, personal insults, and threats on social media platforms. Such attacks are often framed as mockery of speech and rhetorical style, but GenCED asserts they reflect entrenched gender bias.

According to monitoring by the Media Foundation for West Africa, there were 583 recorded incidents of online gender-based violence against women—including female politicians and public figures—between August 2024 and March 2025. National data from the Cyber Security Authority shows that cybercrime cases, particularly cyberbullying, are among the most reported offenses in Ghana, with hundreds of complaints logged in 2025 alone. A UNICEF U-Report poll found that 49% of young people in Ghana have experienced online violence, often resulting in emotional distress.

Analysis

The persistent online hostility against women MPs is not merely a matter of personal attacks; it has broader implications for democratic inclusion. When women in public office are intimidated or silenced through digital harassment, it signals to other women and girls that their voices are unwelcome in public life. This undermines the principle of equal participation in governance and erodes trust in democratic institutions.

GenCED emphasizes that cyberbullying based on gender or language constitutes gender-based political violence. Despite Ghana’s legal framework—including the Cyber Crimes Act, 2025, and the Cybersecurity Act, 2020 (Act 1038)—which criminalizes online harassment and provides for penalties such as fines or imprisonment, enforcement remains weak. This lack of accountability allows online gender-based abuse to persist with little consequence.

The organization warns that if left unchecked, such trends will further marginalize women in politics and deter future generations from seeking public office. Democratic societies thrive on diverse voices and respectful debate; harassment aimed at silencing women directly contradicts these values.

Practical Advice

To combat digital harassment and foster a more inclusive political environment, GenCED calls for coordinated action:

– **Law Enforcement and Regulatory Bodies:** Apply cybercrime laws decisively against perpetrators and ensure swift, transparent investigations.
– **Parliamentary Leadership:** Publicly condemn online abuse targeting MPs and implement measures to safeguard digital civic space.
– **Political Parties:** Adopt codes of conduct that prohibit harassment and support victims.
– **Media Organizations and Online Platforms:** Strengthen moderation systems, promote digital literacy, and swiftly remove abusive content.
– **Citizens:** Reject misogynistic attacks online and engage in constructive debate focused on policy rather than personal attacks.

FAQ

Conclusion

The escalating digital harassment against women MPs in Ghana is a serious threat to democratic participation and gender equality in public life. GenCED’s call to action underscores the urgent need for stronger enforcement of existing laws, greater accountability for perpetrators, and a cultural shift toward respectful online engagement. By standing together to reject online abuse and support women in leadership, Ghana can ensure that its democracy remains inclusive, vibrant, and resilient.