President John Dramani Mahama has assured that the proposed Cybersecurity (Amendment) Bill, 2025, and the Misinformation and Disinformation Bill currently before Parliament are not intended to muzzle the media or curtail free expression, but to safeguard citizens and uphold truth in Ghana’s digital space.

Speaking at the 29th Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) Media Awards held at Manhyia Palace in Kumasi, on Saturday, November 8, the President acknowledged growing unease from the media fraternity and civil society over potential threats to press freedom under the two bills.

“These laws are not meant to restrict expression, but to safeguard citizens and uphold truth in the digital realm. The same digital tools that democratize information now also enable hate, defamation, impersonation, and cyberbullying.”

The President said that the government would engage stakeholders transparently to address concerns raised by journalists and rights groups before the bills are passed.

“I recognize 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 GJA President, Albert Kwabena Dwumfuor, had earlier cautioned that portions of the Cybersecurity (Amendment) Bill could undermine press freedom and free expression if not properly reviewed.

At a press briefing to mark the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists, Mr. Dwumfuor said while the Association supports efforts to strengthen Ghana’s cybersecurity framework, broad consultation must guide the process.

“We call for public engagement and education to fine-tune the bill to ensure that every sector directly impacted makes the needed input,” he said.

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

He warned that rushing the amendment process could have unintended consequences for media freedom and democratic accountability, urging Parliament to work closely with journalists, digital rights advocates, and technology experts to ensure a balanced outcome.

The bills aim to tackle rising cybercrime, online impersonation, hate speech, and disinformation, aligning Ghana’s digital governance with international standards. However, critics fear they could be used to target dissenting voices or limit investigative journalism.

President Mahama, a longstanding member of the GJA, reiterated 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.”

He also announced plans to reactivate the Media Development Fund to support capacity building, welfare, investigative journalism, and digital literacy training and safety training, moves he said would ensure “journalists can work confidently, competently, and securely.”