Former Information Minister and current MP for Ofoase/Ayirebi, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, has raised alarm over a draft cybersecurity bill that he believes could criminalize online speech.
He criticized the proposal for targeting individuals who post or share comments deemed offensive or inciteful in digital chat groups, warning that such actions could lead to imprisonment.
His remarks follow President John Mahama’s recent announcement to trace IP addresses of those spreading hate speech or inciting violence online. Oppong Nkrumah described the bill as a dangerous step backward for free expression, urging the government to repeal outdated laws like the one on false news instead of introducing new ones that further restrict speech.
He acknowledged that the bill is still in draft form and subject to public consultation, but expressed concern over its sweeping powers. The proposed law would allow the Cyber Security Authority to act like law enforcement—seizing devices, freezing assets, and accessing data without notifying individuals, all through ex parte court orders valid for up to 180 days.
While the bill aims to update the 2020 Cybersecurity Act to address modern threats like AI scams and blockchain vulnerabilities, critics argue that its language opens the door to surveillance overreach.
Oppong Nkrumah urged the government to proceed with caution, emphasizing that there are already legal remedies for harmful speech.
Author: Jasmine Adjei
Development journalist
