Ghana is pushing forward with a new proposal to combat online misinformation, disinformation, and hate speech — a move officials say is essential to protect national security and social harmony.
But some critics warn that the new bill could threaten free speech and press freedom.
The proposed Misinformation, Disinformation, Hate Speech and Publication of Other Information Bill, 2025 — commonly referred to as the MDHI Bill — seeks to regulate the creation and dissemination of content deemed “false” or “harmful” across digital platforms, including social media, messaging apps, and online publications.
If passed, the law would give broad powers to a state-appointed commission to determine what constitutes misinformation and impose sanctions that range from heavy fines to imprisonment.
A Delicate Balance
Ghana’s Ministry of Information, which drafted the bill, argues that online falsehoods have eroded public trust, endangered lives, and inflamed ethnic and political tensions.
“The bill is designed to create a clear legal framework for enforcement, enabling statutory bodies to act decisively while upholding freedom of expression,” the ministry said in an explanatory note.
Yet the bill’s sweeping definitions — including any content that could “harm the image of the state,” “cause public disorder,” or “undermine confidence in public institutions” — have alarmed some civil society leaders and digital rights advocates.
The Diaspora in the Crosshairs?
The bill also touches on Ghanaians living abroad, a group that has become increasingly vocal on social media and influential in shaping public discourse.
Under the proposal, misinformation originating from the diaspora that “affects public order or national interest” could still be prosecuted, potentially drawing Ghana’s digital footprint across borders.
Simply, Ghanaians abroad (journalists, influencers, activists, or ordinary citizens) could face legal action for what they post online — even while living outside Ghana.
Lessons From Elsewhere
Ghana’s proposal echoes similar laws in countries like Nigeria, South Africa, and Singapore, where anti-misinformation efforts have often been criticized for enabling state control over speech.
Public commentators, especially on social media, warn that even well-intentioned laws can backfire when enforcement lacks transparency or independence.
The Ministry of Communication has put out a call for public comments on the current draft of the bill until November 14th, 2025.
This article was edited with AI and reviewed by human editors
