Data analytics and artificial intelligence specialist Dr. Eugene Frimpong has expressed deep concern about aspects of Ghana’s Cybersecurity Amendment Bill, warning that certain provisions could infringe on civil liberties, restrict media freedom, and stifle innovation in the country’s growing tech ecosystem.
In an exclusive interview with The High Street Journal, Dr. Frimpong acknowledged the growing threat of cybercrime but argued that the proposed amendments grant excessive powers to the Cyber Security Authority (CSA), powers that could be abused without proper judicial oversight.
“There is a section in it, Section 47B, which raises significant constitutional concerns because it empowers the CSA to enter the premises or access electronic devices without prior notice or judicial warrant,” he said. “This could lead to unannounced newsroom raids where officers can seize computers, servers, or even journalists’ phones without court approval.”
He noted that such provisions could create a chilling effect on journalism and whistleblowing, discouraging sources from sharing information with the media. Dr. Frimpong recalled Ghana’s past struggles with press freedom under the Criminal Libel Law and cautioned against a return to the revolution days.
“If we don’t take care, we are going to revisit the revolution era,” he warned. “This law gives too much power to just one authority.”
While acknowledging the bill’s potential to curb online crimes including fraud, cyberbullying, and sextortion, Dr. Frimpong stressed the importance of balance. “There is a thin line between preventing crime and infringing on free speech,” he said, citing recent statistics from the Cyber Security Authority that recorded nearly 2,000 cybercrime cases in the first half of 2025, a 52 % rise from the same period in 2024.
He also questioned another Section of the proposed law, which grants surveillance powers to the CSA and law enforcement agencies.
“It grants the power to intercept, monitor, and record any communication deemed necessary for national security,” he explained. “That means if this bill is passed into law, national security can easily tap into your communications.”
Beyond privacy concerns, Dr. Frimpong warned that the bill’s regulatory and financial requirements could discourage local cybersecurity startups and innovators.
“My fear is that any economic burden introduced by this bill is going to prevent us from becoming more innovative and competitive,” he said. “It will favor foreign players with deep pockets and make it harder for local innovators to thrive.”
Despite his criticism, Dr. Frimpong acknowledged some positives in the proposed law, particularly its introduction of cybersecurity hygiene certification, which aims to set minimum security standards for companies handling sensitive data such as health records.
He noted that Ghana could learn from other African countries such as Kenya, Rwanda, and South Africa, which have passed similar laws that separate regulation from enforcement to avoid concentration of power.
“We should not put investigative and regulatory powers in the hands of one agency,” he said. “There needs to be a separation, like in the U.S., where the Department of Justice and the FBI handle different roles.”
Dr. Frimpong urged Parliament to refine the bill through broad stakeholder consultation, stressing that vague and ambiguous sections must be clarified to prevent abuse.
“There’s too much ambiguity,” he noted. “The sections that allow entry without notice are vague and could be subject to interpretation by whoever runs the agency.”
Ultimately, Dr. Frimpong said he supports Ghana’s efforts to strengthen cybersecurity but insisted that the process must protect fundamental rights and encourage innovation.
“I see good intentions in the bill,” he said, “but if not refined, it could undermine the very freedoms and creativity that drive our democracy and digital economy.”
