Cybersecurity bill: Govt treading on dangerous ground – Oppong Nkrumah

The Member of Parliament for Ofoase Ayirebi, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, has warned that the proposed Cyber Security Amendment Bill poses a serious threat to Ghana’s democracy.

His remarks come in response to claims by the Minority in Parliament that the government is seeking to criminalise free expression through a draft bill that would make it an offence to post or share comments in online chat groups deemed offensive or inciteful.

The Minority has linked the proposed law to President John Dramani Mahama’s recent directive to trace the IP addresses of individuals spreading hate speech or inciting violence, in an effort to hold such persons accountable.

Speaking on Face to Face with Umaru Sanda Amaduon Channel One TV on Tuesday, October 28, Oppong Nkrumah cited recent arrests of TikTokers and the NPP’s Bono Regional Chairman, Kwame Baffoe, popularly known as Abronye, over controversial social media comments as worrying examples.

He argued that instead of using criminal sanctions, the government could rely on civil remedies to address such incidents.

He warned, “Today, it appears it’s being done to NPP members, so there are a lot of people who don’t care. We’re gradually getting into dangerous territory. I pray for you if you allow such a law to pass,” he cautioned.

The Ofoase Ayirebi MP emphasised that using criminal laws to regulate speech could easily be abused by future governments and urged that the proposed legislation be reconsidered to protect democratic freedoms.