GJA warns cybersecurity bill could threaten press freedom
The President of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), Albert Kwabena Dwumfuor, has expressed grave concern over portions of the Cybersecurity (Amendment) Bill, 2025, cautioning that certain provisions could undermine press freedom and free expression if passed in its current form.
Speaking at a media briefing on Monday, November 3, to mark the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists, Mr. Dwumfuor said the Association supports the government’s efforts to strengthen Ghana’s cybersecurity framework but stressed the need for a careful balance between national security and constitutional 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 said.
He urged lawmakers not to rush the amendment process without adequate stakeholder input, warning that poorly crafted reforms could “worsen the cyber ecosystem.”
Mr. Dwumfuor stated that the media remains a cornerstone of Ghana’s democracy and that any attempt to curtail its freedom under the guise of cybersecurity reform would weaken accountability and transparency.
“The GJA and the media will always seek to protect these guaranteed rights and ensure that they are not taken from us.”
He called on Parliament to engage journalists, digital rights advocates, civil society organisations, and technology experts to ensure that the final legislation promotes responsible digital behaviour without infringing on fundamental freedoms.
The Cybersecurity (Amendment) Bill, 2025 aims to address emerging online threats, enhance regulatory oversight, and align Ghana’s laws with international best practices. However, sections of the media, the Minority in Parliament, and civil society groups have raised concerns about potential government overreach and the risk of the law being used to target journalists and critics.
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