The President of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), Albert Kwabena Dwumfuor, has cautioned that certain provisions in the Cybersecurity (Amendm
The President of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), Albert Kwabena Dwumfuor, has cautioned that certain provisions in the Cybersecurity (Amendment) Bill, 2025, could pose a threat to press freedom and free expression if passed in its current form.
Speaking at a press briefing on Monday, November 3, 2025, to mark the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists, Mr Dwumfuor said the GJA supports efforts to strengthen Ghana’s cybersecurity framework but urged that such reforms must not compromise constitutional rights.
He called for broad stakeholder engagement, public consultation, and education to ensure the bill reflects the collective interests of all affected sectors.
“We call for broad engagement and consultation to fine-tune the bill so that every sector directly impacted can make the needed input in the public interest,” he said.
Mr Dwumfuor further cautioned lawmakers against rushing the legislative process, warning that any poorly crafted law could worsen the digital environment rather than improve it.
“If what the amendment seeks to cure will worsen the cyber ecosystem, then we must tread cautiously,” he noted.
He emphasized the media’s central role in promoting transparency and accountability in Ghana’s democracy, insisting that cybersecurity reforms must not be used to stifle journalistic work.
“The GJA and the media will always seek to protect these guaranteed rights and ensure they are not taken from us,” he reaffirmed.
The GJA President also urged Parliament to engage journalists, civil society groups, digital rights advocates, and technology experts in reviewing the bill to ensure it promotes responsible online behavior without infringing on fundamental freedoms.
The Cybersecurity (Amendment) Bill, 2025, aims to address emerging digital threats, enhance regulatory oversight, and align Ghana’s cybersecurity policies with international standards. However, the Minority in Parliament, media stakeholders, and civil society organizations have raised concerns that some proposed provisions could be used to target journalists and suppress dissenting voices.