Ghana’s Communications Ministry to Table Misinformation and Hate Speech Bill in Parliament
The Ministry of Communications, Digital Technology, and Innovation is poised to present the Misinformation, Disinformation, and Hate Speech Bill to Parliament in the coming weeks, aiming to address the rising tide of cyber threats in Ghana’s digital landscape.
The announcement was made by Sector Minister Samuel Nartey George during the media launch of the National Cybersecurity Awareness Month (NCSAM) 2025 on September 3, 2025.
The proposed legislation seeks to curb online fraud, scams, abuse, and blackmail—offenses that undermine the rights of digital users. If passed, the bill will impose strict legal sanctions on offenders, signaling a robust crackdown on harmful online activities.
“Citizens deserve protection from fraud, abuse, and blackmail. The Ministry is almost done with work on our Misinformation, Disinformation, Fake News and Hate Speech Bill. Don’t say you were not warned, we will come after you. We will prosecute you, we will jail you,” Sam George declared, issuing a stern warning to perpetrators.
The minister also revealed plans to amend Section 38 of the Cybersecurity Act, 2020 (Act 1038) to better address emerging threats within Ghana’s digital ecosystem.
Additionally, he singled out individuals involved in online schemes targeting foreign nationals, stating that the government is intensifying efforts to combat such activities. “We are cracking down hard on those defrauding people abroad through online platforms,” he emphasized.
The bill’s introduction follows growing concerns about the spread of misinformation and hate speech, particularly in the wake of incidents like the misinformation surrounding the August 6, 2025, helicopter crash, which highlighted vulnerabilities in Ghana’s information ecosystem. However, media rights activists have raised concerns about potential misuse of the legislation, citing vague definitions in existing laws like the Electronic Communications Act, 2008 (Act 775) and the Cybersecurity Act, 2020 (Act 1038). Critics argue that clear definitions and robust safeguards are essential to prevent the law from being used to stifle free speech.
Sam George has stressed that the bill will balance enforcement with respect for constitutional rights, stating, “We will not clamp down on freedom of expression, but where your right to free expression ends, your duty not to misinform begins.” The legislation is expected to empower statutory bodies to act decisively while promoting digital literacy and accountability.
Public discourse on the bill is heating up, with posts on X reflecting mixed sentiments. Some users support stronger regulations to combat fake news, while others express fears of censorship, citing global examples like Australia’s withdrawn 2024 misinformation bill, which faced criticism for risking free speech.
As Parliament prepares to review the bill, stakeholders are calling for inclusive consultations to address concerns about enforcement and oversight. The success of the legislation will hinge on its ability to protect Ghanaians from digital harms while upholding democratic values.
