President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has underscored the critical need to combat the spread of false information in Ghana’s democratic process, especially leading to this year’s general elections.
On Thursday at the Ghana Report Summit on “Dealing with Misinformation and Disinformation – Election 2024, Accra, President Akufo-Addo narrated Ghana’s exemplary democratic journey, marked by eight successful general elections since the return to constitutional rule in 1993.
The President indicated that the peaceful transitions of power between the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has cemented Ghana’s status as a stable democracy.
He, however, warned that misinformation and disinformation pose significant threats to these democratic gains.
“Misinformation refers to false or inaccurate information spread unintentionally, while disinformation involves the deliberate dissemination of false information to deceive,” President Akufo-Addo explained.
“These false narratives can distort public perception, undermine trust in our institutions and even incite violence.”
The digital age, with its rapid information dissemination capabilities, has amplified the challenge.
Social media platforms, though beneficial in many ways, have become breeding grounds for the spread of false information.
President Akufo-Addo maintained that false information could skew public perception of candidates and political parties, leading to uninformed decision-making at the polls.
More importantly, the President said disinformation campaigns most often exploit societal divisions, amplifying existing tensions and posing risks to social cohesion.
President Akufo-Addo recounted the malicious stories that targeted him during the 2008, 2012, and 2016 presidential elections.
“From baseless allegations of drug trafficking to fabricated quotes designed to stir ethnic tensions, I have been a victim of numerous false reports.”
These experiences, President Akufo-Addo explained, underscored the urgent need to discern truth from falsehood and to remain vigilant against the dangers of misinformation and disinformation.
To address these challenges, President Akufo-Addo outlined several measures including strengthening regulatory frameworks to hold individuals and organisations accountable for spreading false information.
Collaborations with technology companies are essential to develop mechanisms for monitoring and curbing the spread of false information on digital platforms, he added.
Public awareness campaigns are also vital. Educating citizens about the dangers of misinformation and disinformation and promoting media literacy can empower voters to make informed decisions.
Supporting fact-checking organisations to verify information and debunk false claims is another important strategy.
President Akufo-Addo stressed the need for all political actors to commit to truthfulness and transparency in their campaigns.
The spread of false information for political gain undermines the democratic process and erodes public trust, he stressed.
The President said political parties and candidates must engage in constructive dialogue, presenting their ideas and policies to the electorate truthfully and respectfully.
Civil society organisations, he emphasised, must play an invaluable role in promoting transparency, accountability and media literacy.
“Their advocacy efforts are essential in curbing misinformation and disinformation. The public also has a crucial role to play by verifying information before sharing it and relying on reputable news sources.”
By working together, President Akufo-Addo stressed, Ghana can ensure that its elections are a true reflection of the will of the people, preserving the nation’s reputation as a beacon of democracy and stability in Africa.
Rex Mainoo Yeboah, ISD
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