Accra, Ghana – President John Dramani Mahama has publicly addressed growing concerns surrounding the Cybersecurity Amendment Bill (2025) and the Misinformation and Disinformation Bill, asserting that the proposed legislation is not intended to curb free expression. Speaking at the 29th GJA Awards Ceremony on Saturday, the President clarified that the bills are specifically designed to safeguard the citizenry and uphold truth in the digital realm.
The President acknowledged that digital tools have democratized information, but also enable hate, defamation, impersonation, and cyberbullying, stating the government is committed to addressing these issues responsibly. He recognized that the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) and various civil society groups have raised concerns about the bills, assuring them that their issues will be addressed transparently and constructively.
President Mahama emphasized that the goal is to extend the ethical standards of traditional journalism into the digital space without infringing upon constitutional freedoms. He added that freedom of expression does not include the freedom to ruin reputations, threaten lives, or incite violence, concluding that the boundary of free speech is speech that endangers peace and human dignity.
The President’s remarks aim to allay fears and reassure Ghanaians that the government is committed to balancing the need to regulate digital content with the need to protect fundamental rights and freedoms. The GJA and other stakeholders are expected to continue engaging with the government on the proposed bills to ensure that they align with Ghana’s constitutional and democratic values.
Ruth Abla ADJORLOLO
