The Private Newspapers and Online News Publishers Association of Ghana (PRINPAG), has expressed deep concerns regarding the proposed Misinformation, Disinformation, Hate Speech and Publication of Other Information Bill (MDHI), currently under consideration by the Government of Ghana.
In a statement signed by the Association’s President, David Tamakloe, PRINPAG questioned the rationale behind the proposed MDHI Bill, asserting that the Bill appears vulnerable to manipulation and could become a tool for suppressing dissent and curtailing free speech.
PRINPAG acknowledged the growing challenges posed by misinformation, disinformation, and hate speech in the media and digital spaces, but the Association is of the firm belief that the proposed Bill lacks clarity in its purpose and necessity, as it remains unclear what specific gap in the current legal framework the Bill seeks to address or what mischief it intends to cure.
PRINPAG believes that Ghana’s existing legal architecture, including the 1992 Constitution, the Defamation Act, the Criminal Offences Act, and the Electronic Communications Act, already provides robust mechanisms to safeguard privacy, promote responsible speech, and prohibit hate speech.
Additionally, the media industry, through institutions such as the National Media Commission (NMC), the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), and PRINPAG, has developed comprehensive codes of ethics to guide professional conduct.
The real challenge, PRINPAG said, lies not in the absence of laws but in their enforcement. Implementation has often been selective and politically motivated, undermining the rule of law and press freedom.
“History has shown that even without such a bill, journalists have faced intimidation and arrest for fulfilling their constitutional duty to hold power to account. The potential for abuse under the MDHI Bill is significant, especially if wielded by individuals or regimes with little regard for democratic principles,” David Tamakloe said.
The Association further cautioned that any legislation must be resilient against misuse by future governments, particularly those that may not uphold the rule of law.
PRINPAG mentioned that it is currently reviewing the contents of the proposed Bill and will provide a comprehensive response at an appropriate forum. “However, we feel compelled to make these interim remarks and urge the government to suspend further action on the Bill until broader consultations are held with stakeholders across the media, civil society, and legal communities.”
“We remain committed to promoting responsible journalism and protecting the integrity of Ghana’s democratic discourse. Let us strengthen existing frameworks rather than introduce legislation that risks undermining the freedoms we have fought hard to secure,” PRINPAG said.