Cybersecurity Bill threat to freedom of speech — Oppong Nkrumah

The Member of Parliament for Ofoase-Ayirebi, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, has voiced his apprehensions regarding the draft Cybersecurity Bill, asserting that it poses a threat to free speech within the nation.

He pointed out that certain provisions within the bill could lead to the criminalisation of speech, which diverges from the global movement towards decriminalising speech.

The former Minister of Information articulated these concerns while addressing journalists in Accra last Sunday.

He remarked that the bill, in its present state, could present significant risks to the country by criminalising free speech and dissent.

He elaborated that the draft bill aims to target individuals who express remarks or comments through their online platforms that may be considered unfavourable, offensive, or incisive.

“What we are seeing appears to be a draft, and that they want to consult on that draft. From what I have seen as a former information minister, this draft is dangerous, though it’s not surprising,” he stated.

Mr. Oppong Nkrumah indicated that the draft bill could lead to individuals being prosecuted and imprisoned based on their communications within chat groups, potentially violating personal freedoms and privacy.

He urged the government to proceed with caution and to contemplate the repeal of existing laws that criminalise speech rather than introducing new legislation.

“The government needs to tread cautiously. I am hopeful that when the consultations start, the government will see wisdom in backtracking and ensuring that, instead of seeking to criminalize speech further, even the remnant laws on criminalization of speech should be repealed,” Mr. Oppong Nkrumah remarked.

He referenced the law concerning the publication of false news with the intent to incite fear and panic as an example of legislation that should be repealed, emphasising that it was the promotion of free speech that led the Kufuor administration to abolish the Criminal Libel and Sedition Act.

Mr. Oppong Nkrumah proposed that civil remedies, instead of criminalisation, would serve as a more effective approach to tackle issues related to speech.

He stated that this would promote the advancement of democracy within the nation and ensure the protection of freedom of speech.