By Bright Ntramah
Government is in the process of putting in place a national action plan to combat misinformation and disinformation. This comprehensive plan, currently before Cabinet for its consideration and action, outlines strategic steps to address the spread of false information.
President Akufo-Addo announced this in Accra at the maiden Ghana Report Summit. The action plan according to President Akufo-Addo aims to defend democratic processes, protect the integrity of elections, and promote an informed and engaged citizenry.
In the digital age, the proliferation of information dissemination through social media platforms has transformed how societies communicate, share knowledge and make decisions. While these platforms have democratized access to information, they have also given rise to unprecedented challenges, particularly the spread of misinformation and disinformation.
As Ghana approaches its crucial 2024 elections, the integrity of the information circulating within in the digital ecosystem becomes a paramount concern.
It is for these reasons that the inaugural The Ghana Report Summit, themed “Dealing with Misinformation and Disinformation – Election 2024,” aims to address these pressing issues head-on.
President Akufo-Addo noted that implementation of the plan, will ensure that misinformation and disinformation do not undermine hard-won democratic gains, as well as the peace and stability of the nation.
He urged political parties and candidates to conduct themselves with integrity and honesty. He noted that the spread of false information for political gain undermines our democratic process and erodes public trust. He urged all political actors to commit to truthfulness and transparency in their campaigns.
The Minister for National Security, Albert Kan Dapaah has warned media houses against declaring election results ahead of the EC, which is mandated by the constitution to do so.
He has urged the media outlets to at all times uphold the highest ethical standards of journalism, emphasizing fact-checking, balanced reporting, and objective analysis devoid of regime change agendas that could destabilize our nation.
He was Speaking at the Misinformation and Disinformation summit in Accra. He said the peace of the country must not be disturbed on the altar of misinformation and disinformation for what at the end of the day will be very narrow political gains.
