Cybersecurity or Control? Why Ghana’s New Cyber Bill is Controversial
Ghana’s Cyber Security Authority (CSA), the government body responsible for overseeing the nation’s digital safety, is facing considerable public backlash over proposed amendments to the 2020 Cybersecurity Act. While the CSA argues that the changes are necessary to enhance its ability to protect Ghana from cyber threats, critics worry about potential overreach and the erosion of civil liberties.
# Expanded Powers and Concerns
The core of the controversy lies in Section 20B of the proposed amendment. This section grants the CSA’s Director-General, Deputy Director-General, and other authorized officers significant new powers. Specifically, they would be empowered to arrest, search, and seize property related to cybercrime investigations and prosecutions, operating under the Attorney General’s authority. The CSA would also be granted the authority to recover assets derived from cybercriminal activities. A Joint Cybersecurity Committee, composed of representatives from important institutions like the National Communications Authority, the Bank of Ghana, and the Financial Intelligence Centre, is intended to support the execution of these expanded powers.
The amendments highlight a tension between the need for robust cybersecurity measures and the protection of individual rights. While the CSA aims to strengthen Ghana’s digital resilience and effectively combat cybercrime, concerns remain that the proposed powers could be used to stifle dissent, suppress free speech, or target individuals without due process. The debate reflects a broader challenge facing many African nations as they grapple with the complexities of cybersecurity in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.
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