Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovation, Samuel Nartey George, has announced that the long-anticipated National Misinformation and Disinformation Bill is ready to be presented before Parliament.
Speaking at a media briefing on Thursday, July 3, the Minister described the draft legislation as a “necessary and timely intervention” to protect the integrity of Ghana’s digital information space in the face of growing online threats.
“To protect the integrity of Ghana’s digital information space, the Ministry is making steady progress toward bringing the National Misinformation and Disinformation Bill before Parliament,” George stated.
The legislation aims to establish a robust legal framework that empowers regulatory authorities to respond to the deliberate creation and dissemination of false or harmful content online—without violating the constitutional right to free expression.
“This legislation is designed to strengthen legal safeguards against the intentional spread of false or harmful digital content. It will provide enforcement clarity while upholding freedom of expression,” he added.
According to Sam George, the bill balances two vital objectives: protecting citizens from harmful digital manipulation and safeguarding democratic rights. He emphasized that responsible communication must accompany the freedom to speak.
“We will not clamp down on freedom of expression, which will be respected. However, when your right to free expression ends, your duty not to misinform begins,” the Minister stressed.
The move comes amid heightened global concerns over the impact of misinformation on public health, electoral processes, and national cohesion. Ghana has witnessed several high-profile incidents of digital deception in recent years, amplifying calls for clearer regulatory tools to address the issue.
Stakeholders from civil society, media, academia, and the tech industry are expected to weigh in on the bill once it reaches Parliament, with consultations anticipated to continue throughout the legislative process.
George reiterated the Ministry’s commitment to transparency, saying the bill also seeks to promote digital literacy and accountability within the country’s increasingly vibrant online ecosystem.
