President Akufo-Addo has warned that Ghana’s democracy is under threat from the spread of false information, echoing a global trend where misinformation and disinformation are increasingly undermining democratic systems worldwide.
Addressing the Ghana Report Summit on August 1, 2024, President Akufo-Addo emphasized that the influence of misinformation and disinformation on Ghana’s electoral process is profoundly significant and cannot be overstated.
The President pointed out that the spread of false information can distort the public’s view of candidates and political parties, resulting in ill-informed choices by voters on Election Day.
“It can also create confusion and mistrust, undermining the credibility of the electoral process. Disinformation campaigns often exploit societal divisions and amplify existing tensions posing a risk to social cohesion. We’ve witnessed how such campaigns can insight violence and disrupt public order as seen in other parts of the world”.
“In the run-up to the 2008, 2012, and 2016 presidential elections, I was a target of numerous false and malicious stories attacking my credibility and integrity. In 2008, baseless allegations of drug trafficking were spread, along with numerous rumors about my health intended to cast doubt on my ability to serve as President”.
President Akufo-Addo
The President also recalled a similar incident in 2008, where former President J.A. Kufuor faced false accusations of selling off Ghana’s entire gold reserves, highlighting the long history of misinformation in Ghanaian politics.
He cited another example from the 2012 election, where he was falsely accused of being arrested in London for drug possession and had fake quotes attributed to him that were intended to fuel ethnic conflict.
The President recalled that in 2016, supporters of the opposition party spread a vicious rumor that he was responsible for the death of his late wife, a deeply personal and harmful falsehood.
He observed that, with just a few months left before the 2024 elections, his opponents have resumed their tactics of spreading false information, indicating a repeat of the same pattern of misinformation.
The President alleged that a fake document titled ‘Agyapadie’ is being circulated by opposition operatives, who claim it reveals a secret plan by the NPP to seize state assets, further fueling the spread of misinformation.
President Urges Critical Thinking To Combat Misinformation
Moreover, the President emphasized that the recurring instances of misinformation and disinformation highlight the need for critical thinking and media literacy, urging the public to be cautious and discerning to distinguish fact from fiction and protect themselves from the harmful effects of false information.
He stressed the significant influence of both traditional and digital media in forming public opinion and emphasized the vital importance of media organizations upholding the principles of journalistic excellence, truthfulness, and precision in their reporting.
“Journalists must be vigilant in verifying information before dissemination. The media houses must prioritize fact-checking and correcting false reports”.
“As we approach the 2024 general elections, we have to address these challenges head-on. We should take proactive measures to curb the spread of false information and ensure that the public has access to accurate and reliable information”.
President Akufo-Addo
The President observed that while social media provides unprecedented opportunities for information sharing and accessibility, has also created a breeding ground for the rapid dissemination of false and misleading information.
The President noted that this poses an immense challenge, particularly during elections when the stakes are high and the public’s right to accurate information is paramount.
He emphasized that collaboration between the government and technology companies is crucial in tackling misinformation and disinformation.
The President reported that the government has initiated dialogues with various stakeholders to explore effective strategies for combating the menace.
Furthermore, he noted that the government has strengthened regulatory frameworks and improved legal frameworks to hold individuals and organizations accountable for spreading misinformation and disinformation.
The President stated that nationwide campaigns are also being undertaken to educate the public about the dangers of misinformation and disinformation while encouraging fact-checking organizations to join the fight.
Finally, the President urged political parties and actors to commit to truthfulness and transparency in their communication with the electorate.
“Let us engage in constructive dialogue and present our ideas and policies to electorates in a truthful and respective manner”. – President Akufo-Addo
READ ALSO: UNICEF and WHO Advocate for Global Breastfeeding Support
