Cybersecurity Bill Sparks “Dangerous” Free Speech Warning — Oppong Nkrumah Raises Alarm Over Draft Legislation
Former Information Minister and NPP Member of Parliament Kojo Oppong- Photo credit (KON page)
Accra, Ghana — A newly drafted Cybersecurity Bill by the government has drawn sharp criticism from opposition figures and civil society groups, with former Information Minister and NPP Member of Parliament Kojo Oppong Nkrumah warning that the proposed legislation poses a serious threat to free speech and democratic freedoms in Ghana.
Speaking exclusively with DM Media, Mr. Oppong Nkrumah described the draft bill as “dangerous,” noting that its vague and overly broad provisions could criminalize ordinary online communication including private messages shared in chat groups. “This Bill could send people to jail for posting comments in a chat group,” he said. “It’s a dangerous encroachment on free expression, and the government must tread cautiously.”
According to the former minister, the bill follows the President’s earlier remarks about using national security agencies to pursue individuals who post what authorities deem to be offensive or false content online. “It’s not surprising,” Oppong Nkrumah added. “The President himself said they would use national security to track people who make comments they consider unfavorable. Now his minister is following through with this draft.”
He warned that the legislation represents a backward step in Ghana’s democratic evolution, especially since previous administrations including that of former President John Agyekum Kufuor had repealed laws that criminalized speech, such as the Criminal Libel and Sedition Act.
“Instead of advancing democratic freedoms, this draft seeks to criminalize speech again,” he said. “Even remnants like the false news law should be repealed, not reinforced.”
Mr. Oppong Nkrumah’s warning has been echoed by a coalition of civil society organizations demanding broad consultation and public debate before the bill proceeds to Parliament. The groups argue that the law could be used to silence critics, suppress political dissent, and limit privacy and free assembly in digital spaces.
“We need a transparent consultation process to ensure that cybersecurity laws protect citizens, not control them,” one advocacy group stated in response. The government has yet to release the full text of the draft bill but has signaled that it intends to engage stakeholders before submission to Parliament.
The controversy comes amid growing concerns about the state’s increasing surveillance capabilities and the use of existing laws such as the “publication of false news” statute to arrest social media users.
Digital rights advocates warn that Ghana risks sliding into a climate of digital repression if the bill is passed without significant revisions.
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