A news conference in Accra on Monday, Mr. Albert Kwabena Dwumfour, the GJA President, said while the Association recognised the urgent need to curb the spread of misinformation, disinformation, and hate speech, any legislative approach must not compromise constitutionally guaranteed freedoms, including freedom of expression, media independence, and the public’s right to information.

The MDHI Bill is part of the government’s effort to tackle the growing problem of false information and harmful content on digital platforms.

Proponents argue that the Bill will help promote online safety, national security, and social harmony in an era where unverified content can spread rapidly through social media.

However, critics—including media groups, civil society organisations, and digital rights advocates—have raised concerns that the Bill, if not carefully crafted, could be used to suppress free speech and independent journalism.

Ghana’s 1992 Constitution guarantees freedom of the press and expression, and stakeholders insist that any new legislation must align with these constitutional provisions.

Mr. Dwumfour described the current legislative process as lacking transparency and adequate stakeholder consultation, warning that such an approach could “inadvertently weaponise state power against the media and silence critical voices.”
He added that even if the current administration did not intend to misuse the Bill, “a subsequent government may.”

To ensure transparency and accountability, the GJA President proposed four key actions, including the extension of consultation deadline by the Ministry of Communications, Digital Technology and Innovations by at least three months, to allow for a broader and nationwide stakeholder consultations, as well as organise regional forums, in collaboration with the GJA and civil society, to gather diverse perspectives.

Additionally, he called for the establishment of a multi-stakeholder committee comprising representatives from the GJA, PRINPAG, NMC, academia, CSOs, and legal experts to harmonise recommendations and ensure the Bill included safeguards to prevent its use as a tool of censorship or intimidation.

“The GJA believes that a law affecting press freedom should never be conceived or enacted behind closed doors or under pressure of time,” Mr. Dwumfour said.

“Genuine and broad consultation should not be considered a courtesy—it is a constitutional necessity.”

While reaffirming the GJA’s commitment to promoting responsible and ethical journalism, he warned that the Association would “fight against” any legislation that sought to criminalise constitutional freedoms or democratic accountability.

Mr. Dwumfour also expressed concern over the Cybersecurity (Amendment) Bill, 2025, which seeks to expand the investigatory, enforcement, and prosecutorial powers of the Cyber Security Authority (CSA), warning that certain provisions in the Bill could undermine journalism and press freedom if not properly refined.
He pointed to vague offences, expanded definitions, and broad enforcement powers that could expose journalists to surveillance, criminal penalties, and self-censorship.

The GJA President cautioned that similar laws in other countries had been used to target journalists, shut down critical reporting, and stifle online expression.

“The question we pose is simple: Do these provisions threaten or have the potential to undermine journalism, freedom of expression, and media freedom? The answer is a huge yes,” Mr. Dwumfour said.

He, therefore, called for broader engagement and public education on the Bill, urging the Ministry of Communications and the Cybersecurity Authority to avoid rushing the amendment process.

“If what the amendment seeks to cure will instead worsen or stifle the cyber ecosystem, then we’d better tread cautiously,” Mr. Dwumfour warned.

“The GJA will always defend the constitutionally guaranteed rights and freedoms that underpin our democracy.”
He reaffirmed that while the Association remained open to collaboration, it was equally ready to resist any measure that undermined press freedom and the public’s right to know.