The Minister for Communication, Digital Technology, and Innovation, Sam George, has assured Ghanaians that the government is committed to protecting freedom of expression. He announced that a bill aimed at addressing the deliberate spread of false information online is in the final stages of preparation. During a media briefing on Thursday, July 3, the Minister revealed that the National Misinformation and Disinformation Bill will be presented to Parliament in the upcoming session.
He explained that the bill forms part of the Ministry’s broader effort to protect the integrity of Ghana’s digital information space. “To protect the integrity of Ghana’s digital information ecosystem, the Ministry is making steady progress on bringing the National Misinformation and Disinformation Bill to Parliament,” he stated. According to him, the proposed legislation is intended to strengthen legal safeguards against the deliberate creation and circulation of false or harmful digital content. He emphasised that the law will provide a clear framework for enforcement, empowering statutory bodies to act decisively while respecting the constitutional rights of citizens.
The bill aims to establish a clear legal framework for enforcement, allowing statutory bodies to take decisive action while upholding freedom of expression. It will not infringe upon this freedom, which will be respected. However, it emphasises that the right to free expression ends where the responsibility to avoid misinformation begins.
The Minister highlighted that the bill demonstrates the Ministry’s commitment to ensuring accountability in the digital space, promoting public trust, and enhancing digital literacy without compromising democratic values. He also noted that this law would serve as a proactive measure to combat the spread of misinformation, especially during sensitive times like elections or public emergencies.
By: Patricia Boakye
