The President of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), Albert Kwabena Dwumfuor, has warned that proposed amendments to Ghana’s Cybersecurity Bill could undermine press freedom and free expression if passed without broader consultation.

Speaking in Accra on Monday to mark the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists, Dwumfuor said while the GJA supports efforts to strengthen the country’s cyber framework, the proposed changes must not erode 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 told reporters.

He urged lawmakers to avoid rushing the amendment process, saying, “If what the amendment seeks to cure will worsen the cyber ecosystem, then we must tread cautiously.”

Dwumfuor stressed that the media plays a critical role in Ghana’s democracy and warned that attempts to limit its freedom under the guise of cybersecurity reform could weaken accountability and transparency.

He called on Parliament to consult journalists, civil society groups, and technology experts before finalizing the bill, to ensure it promotes digital safety without infringing on fundamental rights.

The Cybersecurity (Amendment) Bill, 2025, aims to address emerging online threats and enhance regulatory oversight in line with global standards.

However, media groups, civil society organizations, and opposition lawmakers have raised concerns about potential overreach and misuse of the law against critics of government actions.

Sompaonline.com