27/10/2025
Ghana’s New Cybersecurity Bill: Why We Must Pay Attention Before It’s Too Late
Ghana’s digital future is on the line, and few people are talking about it. The Cyber Security Authority Ghana (CSA) opened public consultations on the proposed Cybersecurity (Amendment) Bill, 2025, yet most citizens and businesses seem unaware of how deeply it could affect them.
This new Bill seeks to strengthen Ghana’s cybersecurity framework and possibly elevate the Authority into a full Cybersecurity Commission, an institution with far greater regulatory and enforcement powers. On the surface, this sounds like progress. But beneath it lies a pressing question: what happens if these powers are granted without proper checks, reforms, or oversight?
If the Bill is passed in its current form, the new Commission could have the authority to enter, inspect, or sanction private companies it deems non-compliant with cybersecurity standards. Without clear definitions and due process, these powers could easily be misused or over-extended. Imagine small tech startups or local internet cafés suddenly facing shutdowns or heavy fines because of vague compliance rules. Such incidents could discourage innovation and increase fear in Ghana’s growing digital economy.
Another concern is transparency. While cybersecurity is vital for protecting our nation, any law that gives government agencies deep access to digital systems must be matched with strong accountability. Businesses and citizens deserve clear procedures, the right to appeal, and independent oversight to ensure that enforcement is fair and not influenced by politics or personal interest.
Experts have long warned that cybersecurity regulation should empower, not intimidate. Ghana’s tech ecosystem thrives on trust, creativity, and collaboration. Without reforms to limit arbitrary inspections, define critical infrastructure precisely, and safeguard privacy, this Bill could undermine that trust.
🌍 Lessons from Other Countries
Ghana is not the first nation to face this dilemma. Around the world, countries have struggled to balance national security with digital rights, and their experiences offer valuable lessons.
Nigeria: Oversight and Public Resistance
Nigeria’s Cybercrime Act of 2015 granted broad powers to security agencies, but vague language around “cyberstalking” and “false information” led to abuses against journalists and activists. Civil society and courts have since demanded revisions to limit government overreach.
Lesson for Ghana: Avoid ambiguous terms and ensure cybersecurity laws cannot be weaponized against free expression.
Kenya: Building Trust Through Collaboration
Kenya’s Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act (2018) faced backlash at first, but the government later worked with private sector players, legal experts, and civil society to create a National Cybersecurity Coordination Committee. This collaborative model improved transparency and enforcement.
Lesson for Ghana: Include business, academia, and digital rights groups in decision-making to build accountability and trust.
European Union: Balancing Power with Privacy
The EU’s Network and Information Security (NIS2) Directive and GDPR demonstrate that cybersecurity can coexist with privacy. Agencies operate under independent oversight, and businesses are given clear compliance guidance and appeal procedures.
Lesson for Ghana: Tie any new powers to transparent enforcement rules, right of appeal, and independent supervision.
Singapore: Clarity and Proportionality
Singapore’s Cybersecurity Act (2018) empowers regulators to audit “critical information infrastructure” but carefully defines what counts as critical and limits inspections to relevant contexts with official warrants.
Lesson for Ghana: Define “critical infrastructure” clearly and ensure judicial or ministerial oversight before inspections or sanctions.
South Africa: Legal Precision and Privacy Protection
South Africa’s Cybercrimes Act (2021) was aligned with the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) to protect citizens’ privacy. It introduced judicial warrants and precise definitions to prevent abuse.
Lesson for Ghana: Align the new Bill with Ghana’s Data Protection Act, so cybersecurity enforcement never compromises privacy.
🇬🇭 The Way Forward for Ghana
If Ghana wants a cybersecurity framework that inspires confidence rather than fear, it must:
Establish Clear Definitions: Specify what constitutes “critical systems,” “cyber incidents,” and “non-compliance.”
Ensure Judicial Oversight: Require court orders or independent authorisation for inspections or data access.
Create an Independent Appeals Mechanism: Allow individuals and companies to challenge CSA or Commission decisions.
Promote Multi-Stakeholder Governance: Include representatives from the private sector, academia, civil society, and digital rights organisations.
Enhance Public Awareness: Conduct education campaigns to help citizens and SMEs understand their cybersecurity obligations and rights.
Integrate Privacy Protections: Harmonise the Bill with Ghana’s Data Protection Act to prevent overreach.
⚖️ Conclusion
Countries that rushed cybersecurity laws without proper checks have faced backlash, distrust, and stifled innovation. Those that built inclusive, transparent, and accountable systems earned greater compliance and stronger digital resilience.
Ghana now stands at a crucial crossroads. The choices Parliament makes today will determine whether the Cybersecurity Bill protects both national security and individual freedom, or whether it becomes a tool of control.
This is not just about technology; it is about freedom, fairness, and the future of Ghana’s digital space.
© SaBali, 2025
