The Ghanaian government is finalizing legislation to combat the growing threat of disinformation and misinformation, especially on digital platforms. Minister for Communications and Digitalisation, Samuel Nartey George, announced on Tuesday that a comprehensive legal framework is being prepared to address the intentional spread of false information across the country.
Speaking at a press briefing in Accra, the minister said the proposed bill—currently in its final drafting stages—will soon be presented to Parliament for review and approval. Once enacted, the law will hold individuals and entities criminally liable for knowingly spreading misleading content, particularly on social media and other digital channels.
“This framework is designed to safeguard public discourse and national cohesion from the harmful impact of fake news and propaganda,” George stated. “There will be no sacred cows. Anyone found culpable will face the full rigour of the law.” The move follows a rise in coordinated disinformation campaigns and viral misinformation, which officials say have been used to incite panic, undermine public trust in institutions, and influence political discourse.
The proposed law aligns with regional and global trends, as several African countries have introduced similar regulations. However, critics have urged caution, warning that such laws could be used to suppress free speech and target political opponents. In response, Minister George assured that the framework would strike a balance between safeguarding freedom of expression and protecting the public from harmful falsehoods. He also called for collaboration among media houses, civil society, and tech platforms to promote digital literacy and responsible content sharing.
Ghana’s Cyber Security Authority, the National Communications Authority, and international partners such as UNESCO have also been consulted in drafting the legislation, signaling a broader, multi-stakeholder approach to tackling digital disinformation.
