Ghana’s draft Cybersecurity (Amendment) Bill has drawn strong pushback on social media, where users are questioning both the scope and the intent of the proposed powers. Posts on X and Facebook describe the legislation as a potential gateway to state surveillance and expanded regulatory control over digital infrastructure rather than a narrowly tailored security measure.
One user argued that “the language looks protective on the surface, but the implications are dangerous,” warning that the bill’s framing conceals far-reaching effects. Another commenter posted extracts from Section 48 and challenged the Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovation, Samuel Nartey George, over what he described as an overly broad definition of “cybersecurity practitioner.” He wrote that such drafting could make even basic IT support work subject to accreditation and payment of revenue shares, adding, “We need proper limits on every side, and that’s why I’m of the opinion it is rewritten with proper stakeholders involved.”
Similar criticism has circulated on Facebook, with one page labelling the amendment “the most dangerous bill Ghana has ever drafted.” Another described the proposal as a measure that “promises a safer digital space” but simultaneously raises concerns over “state surveillance and online freedom.”
Member of parliament for the Ofoase-Ayirebi constituency Kojo Oppong Nkrumah called the draft “dangerous and not surprising”. He urged that governement “treads cautiously.”
The substance of the objections centres on weak oversight and undefined limits. Critics point to provisions on compelled cooperation from service providers, the power to designate “critical information infrastructure,” and access to communications without visible judicial thresholds. These features could have secondary effects on privacy, media work and business confidence, particularly for firms operating in the digital economy.
Nartey George also engaged some of the posts and comments on X, seeking to make clear contents of the bill to users on the platform
The amendments are in response to emerging cyber-threats against Ghana’s defence posture across strategic sectors. The online reaction, however, reflects growing scepticism about whether the bill can achieve that without eroding rights or increasing compliance risk.
The deadline for public input is on Novemebr 14, 2025. The intensity of public criticism suggests that any final vote may face scrutiny unless revisions address safeguards, scope and accountability.
