Cybersecurity bill endangers free speech – Oppong Nkrumah

The Member of Parliament for Ofoase Ayirebi, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, has cautioned that the proposed Cybersecurity Amendment Bill could pose a serious threat to Ghana’s democracy if passed in its current form.

His comments come after the Minority in Parliament accused the government of attempting to criminalise free expression through a draft bill that would make it an offence to post or share “offensive” or “inciteful” messages in online chat groups.

The Minority has also linked the proposed law to President John Mahama’s recent directive to trace the IP addresses of individuals spreading hate speech or inciting violence online, as part of efforts to hold them accountable.

Speaking in an interview, Mr. Oppong Nkrumah cited recent arrests of TikTok content creators and NPP Bono Regional Chairman, Kwame Baffoe (Abronye), over controversial online comments, describing them as troubling examples of how speech is already being policed.

He argued that such matters should be handled through civil remedies rather than criminal sanctions, warning that laws restricting speech could easily be abused by future governments.

“Today, it seems to be affecting NPP members, so some people don’t care. But we’re entering dangerous territory. I pray for you if you allow such a law to pass,” he warned in an interview with Channel One TV.

The Ofoase Ayirebi MP stressed that Ghana must safeguard its democratic freedoms, urging Parliament to reconsider the bill to prevent potential misuse and protect citizens’ right to free expression.