Keypoints
- Draft bill empowers regulators to act against malicious online content
- Free expression guaranteed while hate speech and fraud targeted
- Bill to be submitted to Parliament later this year
GHANA’S Ministry of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovation is preparing to unveil a bold new legislative instrument aimed at countering the rise of misleading digital content. Speaking at a press briefing in Accra Thursday, Minister Samuel Nartey George confirmed that the draft National Anti‑Misinformation and Disinformation Bill is now finalised and scheduled for submission to Parliament in its next session.
‘The ministry is making steady progress on this legislation,’ stated the Minister. ‘This draft bill is designed to strengthen legal safeguards against the deliberate creation and spread of false or harmful digital content. We will not clamp down on freedom of expression. That will be respected. However, where your rights to free expression end, your duty not to misinform begins.’
A clear legal framework with safeguards
The proposed law will grant statutory bodies new powers to investigate, monitor and take action against coordinated misinformation campaigns, particularly those spreading fake health advice, electoral meddling, conspiracy theorising or reputational smears. Importantly, the bill including safeguards to ensure legitimate public discourse — criticism, dissent or satire — are not mistaken for disinformation.
Promoting trust and responsibility
This legislation forms one part of a wider government agenda to foster a responsible digital culture. ‘It aligns with our commitment to accountability, fostering trustworthy public discourse, and promoting digital literacy,’ the Minister noted. He emphasised that the bill complements other national initiatives on cyber‑security, platform governance and media ethics.
Minister George urged collaboration across society: ‘We call on private sector, civil society, the media, academia and the public to support this shift — and hold us accountable for delivery.’
Comparative context in Africa
Ghana’s proposal places it alongside other African nations developing digital content laws amid concerns over elections, misinformation and public trust. But while some regional efforts have drawn criticism for overreach, the Ghanaian draft has been carefully framed as rights‑respecting and consultative, with ongoing stakeholder input encouraged.
What comes next?
The bill will be tabled in Parliament later this year, with hopes of securing approval by December. Ahead of deliberations, the Ministry plans further consultations with media outlets, civil society organisations, technology platforms and legal experts to refine the legislation and strengthen safeguards.
If enacted, the law will mark a significant step for Ghana — reinforcing its reputation as a forward‑thinking, responsible digital democracy in advance of hosting the 2025 Global Entrepreneurship Festival in November.
