GJA raises red flag over Cybersecurity Amendment Bill

The President of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), Albert Kwabena Dwumfuor, has expressed deep concern over portions of the proposed Cybersecurity (Amendment) Bill, 2025, warning that some clauses could undermine press freedom and free expression if enacted without extensive stakeholder input.

Addressing the media in Accra on Monday, November 3, to mark the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists, Mr. Dwumfuor said while the GJA supports government’s bid to enhance cybersecurity governance, the process must safeguard constitutional rights.

He cautioned against rushing the legislative process, noting that poorly designed provisions could inadvertently weaken democratic accountability.

“If what the amendment seeks to cure will worsen the cyber ecosystem, then we must tread cautiously,” he warned.

The GJA President reaffirmed the media’s role as a pillar of democracy, insisting that any attempt to restrict journalistic work under the guise of cybersecurity reform would erode transparency and accountability.

“The GJA and the media will always seek to protect these guaranteed rights and ensure that they are not taken from us,” Mr. Dwumfuor stated.

He urged Parliament to consult journalists, civil society groups, digital rights advocates, and technology experts before approving the bill to ensure a balance between security and freedom.

The Cybersecurity (Amendment) Bill, 2025, seeks to address emerging online threats, enhance regulatory oversight, and align Ghana’s digital laws with international best practices.

However, civil society groups, sections of the media, and members of the Minority in Parliament have warned that the bill, if not carefully reviewed, could become a tool to stifle dissent and target journalists or critics of government.