By Rebecca Ampah
Cybersecurity expert David Gyedu has cautioned Ghanaians against hiding behind freedom of speech to attack others online, warning that such actions amount to cyberbullying and can lead to arrest.
Speaking on GTV’s Breakfast Show, Gyedu explained that while the constitution guarantees freedom of expression, it does not give anyone the right to violate another person’s dignity.
“Everybody has their right to speak, but don’t go attacking people,” he emphasised. “You cannot attack people on their personality, but you can express your view based on the subject matter.”
He noted that cyberbullying has become a serious issue in Ghana, particularly on social media, where many people are silenced by fear of online harassment. The forms of cyberbullying, he said, include direct verbal attacks, spreading rumours, impersonation, persistent stalking and group harassment.
“Some people don’t even know they are bullying because they think it’s their right,” Gyedu added, highlighting the need for internet literacy education.
He further pointed out the rise of political cyberbullying, where individuals target opponents with personal insults instead of issue-based debate. The use of artificial intelligence (AI), he said, is also making online harassment more sophisticated.
Referring to the Cybersecurity Act 2020 (Act 1038), Gyedu warned that cyberbullying is a punishable offence under Ghanaian law.
He urged victims to report incidents to the Cyber Security Authority by calling the toll-free number 292.
“Express your opinion, but do not attack the opposite. Once you cross the line into personal attacks, you are breaking the law,” he stressed.
