GJA raises alarm over cybersecurity (Amendment) bill
4th November 2025
The President of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), Albert Kwabena Dwumfuor, has voiced serious concerns that portions of the Cybersecurity (Amendment) Bill, 2025, could undermine press freedom and free expression if passed in its current form.
Speaking at a press briefing on Monday, November 3, 2025, to commemorate the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists, Mr. Dwumfuor stressed that while the association supports government’s efforts to strengthen Ghana’s cybersecurity framework, the amendments must carefully balance national security with constitutional freedoms.
“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, cautioning lawmakers against fast-tracking the process without thorough stakeholder involvement.
He warned that any legislation introduced under the pretext of combating cybercrime must not stifle journalistic work or silence dissent.
“If what the amendment seeks to cure will worsen the cyber ecosystem, then we must tread cautiously,” he added.
Mr. Dwumfuor reaffirmed the media’s commitment to defending free expression, emphasizing that Ghana’s democratic progress depends on a free, vibrant, and independent press.
“The GJA and the media will always seek to protect these guaranteed rights and ensure that they are not taken from us,” he said.
He urged Parliament to consult widely—including journalists, civil society groups, digital rights advocates, and technology experts—to ensure that the final version of the bill promotes responsible online behaviour without eroding fundamental freedoms.
The Cybersecurity (Amendment) Bill, 2025, aims to tackle new digital threats, enhance regulatory oversight, and align Ghana’s cybersecurity laws with international standards. However, media stakeholders, opposition lawmakers, and civil society organisations have expressed concerns that some provisions could be exploited to target journalists or suppress critical voices under the guise of cyber regulation.