President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has expressed concern over the increasing spread of misinformation and disinformation in Ghana.
As the 2024 general elections approach, President Akufo-Addo emphasized the urgent need to address this threat, which has the potential to undermine democratic achievements and distort public perception.
Speaking at the Ghana Report Summit on “Dealing with Misinformation and Disinformation – Election 2024” on Thursday, 1st August 2024, President Akufo-Addo stated, “Our nation is a beacon of democracy, having successfully conducted eight general elections with peaceful transitions of power. However, as we near the 2024 General Elections, we must tackle the rising threat of misinformation and disinformation, which could jeopardize our democratic progress and mislead the public.”
He referenced the recent fabricated document, “Agyapadie,” which falsely alleges a scheme by his party to seize state assets, as an example of deliberate misinformation aimed at creating distrust.
“We must remain vigilant and discerning, ensuring we verify information before accepting it as truth,” he urged.
In response to these challenges, President Akufo-Addo announced the implementation of a National Action Plan to combat misinformation and disinformation.
“This comprehensive plan outlines strategic steps to curb the spread of false information, protect our democratic processes, and foster an informed and engaged citizenry. By strengthening our legal and regulatory frameworks, partnering with technology companies, and launching public awareness campaigns, we are proactively safeguarding the integrity of our elections and ensuring misinformation does not erode our democratic achievements,” he added.
As President, he assured that the upcoming elections will be conducted peacefully, transparently, and credibly.
“Security agencies are tasked with maintaining law and order, while public awareness campaigns will empower voters to make informed decisions.”
“Together, let us defend our democracy against falsehoods and uphold the values that make Ghana a model for the world,” the President explained.
Ghana | Atinkaonline.com | Vivian Adu
