Cybersecurity Bill could endanger press freedom – GJA President

The President of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), Albert Kwabena Dwumfuor, has expressed deep concern over aspects of the Cybersecurity (Amendment) Bill, 2025, warning that certain provisions could pose a serious threat to press freedom and free expression if passed in its current form.

Addressing the media on Monday, November 3, to mark the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists, Mr. Dwumfuor noted that while the Association supports efforts to strengthen Ghana’s cybersecurity framework, any amendments must strike a fair balance between national security and the constitutional rights of journalists and citizens.

“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.

He cautioned lawmakers and policymakers against rushing the amendment process without adequate stakeholder involvement. “If what the amendment seeks to cure will worsen the cyber ecosystem, then we must tread cautiously,” 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.