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President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo emphasized the urgent need to stop the transmission of false information during the democratic process in a stirring speech given today at the Ghana Report Summit on “Dealing with Misinformation and Disinformation – Election 2024.”
In order to confront the rising threat of misinformation and disinformation in the run-up to the general elections, important stakeholders convened at the Kempinski Hotel in Accra.
Ghana has had eight successful general elections since the return to constitutional government in 1993, according to President Akufo-Addo, who started off by praising the country’s excellent democratic path. The smooth handovers of power between the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the New Patriotic Party (NPP) have solidified Ghana’s standing as a democracy that is stable.
However, he 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,” explained President Akufo-Addo. “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 emphasized that false information could skew public perception of candidates and political parties, leading to uninformed decision-making at the polls. Moreover, disinformation campaigns often exploit societal divisions, amplifying existing tensions and posing risks to social cohesion.
Reflecting on his experiences, 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, he has been a victim of numerous false reports. These experiences underscore 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. The government is strengthening regulatory frameworks to hold individuals and organizations 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.
Campaigns for public awareness are also essential. Voters may be empowered to make informed decisions by raising media literacy levels and teaching the public about the consequences of false and misleading information. Another crucial tactic is to assist fact-checking groups in their efforts to validate information and refute untrue assertions.
President Akufo-Addo emphasized in his speech the need of all political players pledging to run honest and open campaigns. Disseminating misleading information for political purposes damages public confidence and the democratic process. In order to effectively communicate their views and programs to the voters, political parties and candidates must act with integrity and civility.
In order to advance media literacy, accountability, and transparency, civil society groups are crucial. Their lobbying work is crucial to reducing false and misleading information. Additionally, the public has a vital role to play by relying on reliable news sources and double-checking information before spreading it.
During the Ghana Report Summit, the President gave a clear call to action in his speech. In the run-up to Ghana’s general elections in 2024, it is critical to combat misinformation. Together, we can make sure that Ghana’s elections accurately represent the will of the people and uphold Ghana’s standing as an example of democracy and stability in Africa.
Source: Ghanatodayonline.com
