At the Ghana Report Summit, held on Thursday, 1st August 2024, at the Kempinski Hotel in Accra, His Excellency Nana Akufo-Addo, President of the Republic of Ghana, delivered an address on the urgent issue of misinformation and disinformation as Ghana approaches its general elections.
The summit was under the theme “Dealing with Misinformation and Disinformation – Election 2024,” provided a critical platform for discussing the impact of false information on the democratic process and the need for robust measures to address this growing threat.
The summit brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including business leaders, political figures, media professionals, and CEOs, among others. This heterogeneous blend of participants reflected the wide-ranging impact of misinformation and disinformation on various sectors of society. President Akufo-Addo acknowledged the contributions of these stakeholders in addressing the challenge of false information and emphasized the need for a collective effort to safeguard the nation’s democratic values.
President Akufo-Addo’s speech highlighted the crucial need of combating misinformation and disinformation to ensure the integrity of the upcoming elections. He stressed that as Ghana gears up for the 2024 general elections, the spread of false information could undermine the democratic process and have far-reaching consequences for the nation’s stability and governance.
In his address, President Akufo-Addo emphasized Ghana’s commendable democratic journey, which has been marked by eight successful general elections since the return to constitutional rule in 1993. The peaceful transitions of power between the major parties in Ghana have reinforced Ghana’s reputation as a stable and resilient democracy. However, he cautioned that the proliferation of misinformation and disinformation may have impacts or effects on these democratic gains.
What is Misinformation and Disinformation?
“Misinformation refers to false or inaccurate information spread unintentionally, while disinformation involves the deliberate dissemination of false information with the intent to deceive,” President Akufo-Addo explained. He further elaborated that these false narratives could distort public perception, undermine trust in institutions, and potentially incite violence.
The President’s remarks highlighted the dual nature of the problem: misinformation often arises from misunderstandings or errors, whereas disinformation is a deliberate tactics aimed at manipulating public opinion.
The President acknowledged that the issue of falsehood in misinformation and disinformation is a debatable subject. He stressed that, as much as possible, individuals, groups, and institutions should exercise due diligence and carefully verify information before spreading it.
President Akufo-Addo also called for increased vigilance and responsibility among all stakeholders. He urged the media to adhere to ethical standards of reporting, to fact-check information rigorously, and to avoid spreading unverified claims that could contribute to the spread of false information.
The President also stressed the role of educational institutions and civil society organizations in promoting media literacy and critical thinking among the public, which are essential tools in the fight against misinformation.
The summit also featured discussions on strategies to counter misinformation and disinformation. He encouraged experts to ensure that communication occurs in the right place and at the right time, to leverage technology for tracking and countering false narratives, and to foster collaboration between government agencies, technology companies, and civil society.
President Akufo-Addo’s call to action emphasized the need for vigilance, collaboration, and responsible behavior from all sectors of society to preserve the integrity of Ghana’s democracy.
As the nation prepares for another crucial electoral event, the fight against false information will be pivotal in ensuring a credible and democratic electoral process, President stated.
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