Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, the Speaker of Parliament, has said he will not superintend over any law that will stifle media freedom as long as he remains the head of Ghana’s legislature.
According to him, there are plans to review existing laws that poses some threat to the work of journalists.
Speaker Bagbin’s message was delivered in a speech read on his behalf by the Member of Parliament for La Dade-Kotopon and Deputy Minister of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Rita Naa Odoley Sowah, at the 3rd Annual Dinner Night of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) in Accra on Monday, December 23, 2025.
He acknowledged the concerns within the media landscape that laws intended to regulate digital communications are increasingly being used to harass and intimidate journalists, undermining their work. This is what he assured of review to ensure media practitioners have the liberty to carry on their works.
There are growing concerns over the use of the electronic communications laws to target journalists. Some journalists recounted arrests, interrogations and legal actions they have encountered with regards to online publications and social media commentary arising from their professional duties.
On its part, the GJA insisted that legislation must not undermine constitutional guarantees of press freedom, while reaffirming the stance that ethical and responsible journalism is non-negotiable.
He stressed the importance of balancing national security with freedom of expression, noting that a free and independent media is a cornerstone of Ghana’s democratic governance.
The dinner night, brought together journalists, lawmakers, and key stakeholders, and concluded with renewed calls for continued engagement to ensure electronic communications laws are implemented in a manner that protect journalists and strengthens democracy.
