President John Dramani Mahama has stated that the proposed Cybersecurity (Amendment) Bill, 2025, and the Misinformation and Disinformation Bill currently before Parliament are not intended to gag the media or curtail free expression.
He assured that the bill is meant to safeguard citizens and uphold truth in Ghana’s digital space.
The President indicated that the government would engage stakeholders transparently to address all the concerns raised about the bill.
Speaking at the 29th Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) Media Awards held at Manhyia Palace in Kumasi, on Saturday, November 8, 2025, the President said, “These laws are not meant to restrict expression but to safeguard citizens and uphold truth in the digital realm. The same digital tools that democratise information now also enable hate, defamation, impersonation, and cyberbullying.”
“I recognise that the GJA and civil society have raised some legitimate concerns. Let me assure you that these concerns will be addressed transparently,” he said.
The bills aim to tackle rising cybercrime, online impersonation, hate speech, and disinformation, aligning Ghana’s digital governance with international standards.
The President asserted that his administration remains committed to press freedom, journalistic safety, and responsible communication, insisting that “freedom must be balanced with responsibility.”
“When falsehood flourishes, democracy suffers; when sensationalism displaces substance, citizens lose trust.”
Meanwhile, the President has announced plans to reactivate the Media Development Fund to support capacity building, welfare, investigative journalism, digital literacy training, and safety training.
This, he says, would ensure “journalists can work confidently, competently, and securely.”
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
