Cabinet deliberating on a national action plan to combat misinformation

The President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, has announced that his cabinet is considering a comprehensive National Action Plan aimed at combating misinformation and disinformation.

According to the President, the detailed plan outlines strategic steps to combat the spread of false information and protect democratic processes.

He announced at the Ghana Report Summit on dealing with disinformation and misinformation, ahead of the 2024 polls, held on Thursday, August 1, 2024 in Accra.

President Akufo-Addo revealed the development of the national action plan to indicate that the government was acting on the threat.

He said that the plan aims to safeguard the integrity of elections, promote informed and engaged citizenry and to ensure that misinformation and disinformation do not undermine Ghana’s hard-won democratic gains.

INITIATIVES

The National Action Plan includes several key initiatives, including strengthening legal and regulatory frameworks to hold individuals and organisations accountable for spreading false information.

This will involve stricter penalties for those found guilty of disseminating misinformation and disinformation.

It also includes collaborating with technology companies, as the government is working with social media companies and other tech firms to develop mechanisms for monitoring and curbing the spread of false information.

The President also mentioned public awareness campaigns to educate citizens about the dangers of misinformation and disinformation.

Through the national action plan, the government will support fact-checking organisations to enhance their capacity and reach.

POLITICIANS

President Akufo-Addo stressed the need for all political actors to “commit to truthfulness and transparency” in their campaigns.

He argued that the spread of false information for political gain undermines the democratic process and erodes public trust.

“Political parties and candidates must engage in constructive dialogue, presenting their ideas and policies to the electorate in a truthful and respectful manner.

“Civil society organisations are invaluable in promoting transparency, accountability, and media literacy. Their advocacy efforts are essential in curbing misinformation and disinformation.

“The public also plays a crucial role by verifying information before sharing it and relying on reputable news sources,” he remarked.

In his address, President Akufo-Addo praised Ghana’s impressive democratic journey, marked by eight successful general elections, since the return to constitutional rule in 1993.

However, he cautioned that misinformation and disinformation pose significant threats to these democratic achievements.

“False narratives can distort public perception, undermine trust in our institutions and even incite violence,” the president warned.

President Akufo-Addo noted that misinformation and disinformation can distort public perception of candidates and political parties, leading to uninformed decision-making at the polls.

Disinformation campaigns often exploit societal divisions, amplifying existing tensions and risking social cohesion.

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