New law will curb fake news, not free speech – Sam George

The Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovation, Sam George, has assured Ghanaians that the government remains committed to safeguarding freedom of expression, as it prepares to introduce a bill to curb the deliberate spread of false information online.

Speaking at a media briefing on Thursday, July 3, the Minister revealed that the National Misinformation and Disinformation Bill is nearing completion and will be presented before Parliament during its upcoming session.

He explained that the bill forms part of the Ministry’s broader effort to protect the integrity of Ghana’s digital information space.

“To protect the integrity of Ghana’s digital information ecosystem, the Ministry is making steady progress on bringing the National Misinformation and Disinformation Bill to Parliament,” he stated.

According to him, the proposed legislation is intended to strengthen legal safeguards against the deliberate creation and circulation of false or harmful digital content. He emphasised that the law will provide a clear framework for enforcement, empowering statutory bodies to act decisively while respecting the constitutional rights of citizens.

“The bill is designed to create a clear legal framework for enforcement, enabling statutory bodies to act decisively while upholding freedom of expression. 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 further noted that the bill reflects the Ministry’s commitment to ensuring accountability in the digital space, promoting public trust, and supporting digital literacy without compromising democratic values. He added that the law would serve as a proactive measure to combat the spread of misinformation, particularly during sensitive periods such as elections or public emergencies.

CitiNewsRoom