Enforce cybersecurity laws to tackle online misinformation – Abubakar Issaka
Issaka emphasised that social media algorithms, which decide what users see online, are engineered outside Ghana’s jurisdiction by private companies
The President of the Cyber Security Expert Association of Ghana, Abubakar Issaka, has called for a stronger enforcement of existing cyber laws to protect citizens from misinformation and manipulation on social media.
Speaking on the Asaase Breakfast Show on Friday (13 June) during a segment exploring the double-edged nature of digital platforms, Issaka said Ghana already has legal instruments such as the Cybersecurity Act (Act 1038) and the Data Protection Act (Act 843).
However, he pointed out that enforcement remains a key weakness.
“Yes, we do have regulations that cover misinformation and harmful content. But the issue lies in enforcement. Millions of Ghanaians—over 9 million on Facebook alone—are exposed to content driven by algorithms that are outside our control as a country,” he explained.
Issaka emphasised that social media algorithms, which decide what users see online, are engineered outside Ghana’s jurisdiction by private companies.
This limits the ability of the government or local cybersecurity institutions to intervene directly in how harmful or false content is disseminated.
“Countries that are proactive are engaging these platforms directly to influence how algorithms operate within their borders. Ghana needs to do the same,” he added.
The cybersecurity expert called for deeper collaboration between the Ghanaian government and global tech companies to create safeguards for vulnerable users—especially young people, the elderly, and those without the digital literacy skills to spot disinformation.
Issaka also advocated for greater digital education and public awareness campaigns, suggesting that empowering users with the knowledge to detect and avoid cyber threats is just as crucial as legal intervention.
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