Story By: Juliet Akosua Danquah
Former Tamale Central MP Inusah Fuseini has dismissed claims that the proposed Cyber Security Amendment Bill seeks to reintroduce the repealed criminal libel law.
Speaking in response to public concern over the controversial document, Mr. Fuseini explained that once a law is repealed, it cannot be revived unless its provisions are clearly included in a new law. He added that he has not seen any indication in the current draft suggesting an attempt to bring back criminal libel. According to him, if the lawmakers want to incorporate any provision of the repealed law, they have to include it in the new law, and he doesn’t see any such provision in the draft.
His comments follow growing political debate over a draft bill said to aim at regulating online speech. Critics, including members of the Minority in Parliament, have warned that the proposal could criminalise free expression and allow government control over digital communication. The Member of Parliament for Walewale, Dr. Tiah Abdul-Kabiru Mahama, recently described the document as a reflection of the government’s intention to control online activity, even though it has not yet been formally presented to Parliament. Similarly, the MP for Ofoase-Ayirebi, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, has cautioned that the proposed Cyber Security Amendment Bill could threaten Ghana’s democracy. Despite the concerns raised, Inusah Fuseini maintains that fears of reviving criminal libel are misplaced, emphasising that no such provision exists in the draft currently under discussion.
