The President of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), Albert Kwabena Dwumfuor, has expressed serious concerns regarding certain aspects of the Cybersecurity (Amendment) Bill, 2025. He warned that if passed in its current form, some provisions could significantly threaten press freedom and free expression.
During a media briefing on Monday, November 3, in recognition of the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists, Mr. Dwumfuor stated that while the Association supports efforts to enhance Ghana’s cybersecurity framework, any amendments should carefully balance national security with the constitutional rights of journalists and citizens.
He emphasized the need for broad engagement, public consultation, and education to refine the bill, ensuring that all sectors directly impacted have the opportunity to provide input in the public interest. Mr. Dwumfuor cautioned lawmakers and policymakers against hastily amending the bill without sufficient involvement from stakeholders. “If the changes intended to solve existing problems will instead worsen the cyber ecosystem, then we must proceed with caution,” he added.
The GJA President emphasized that the media remains an indispensable pillar of Ghana’s democracy, and any attempt to limit its freedom under the guise of cybersecurity reform would undermine accountability and transparency.
Mr. Dwumfuor reaffirmed the Association’s commitment to defending media freedoms, saying, “The GJA and the media will always seek to protect these guaranteed rights and ensure that they are not taken from us.”
He urged Parliament to engage journalists, digital rights advocates, civil society organisations, and technology experts in revising the bill to ensure that the final legislation promotes responsible digital behaviour without compromising fundamental freedoms.
The Cybersecurity (Amendment) Bill, 2025, seeks to address emerging online threats, enhance regulatory oversight, and align with global cybersecurity best practices.
However, sections of the media, the minority in parliament and civil society have raised red flags about potential overreach and the risk of misuse of the law against journalists and citizens critical of government actions.
Source: Citi Newsroom
