Queen Mothers Empowered to Combat Disinformation in Central Region, Ghana
The pervasive threat of disinformation and misinformation, increasingly recognized as a destabilizing force undermining democratic institutions and social cohesion, has prompted a proactive response in Ghana’s Central Region. The Konrad Adenauer Stiftung (KAS) Ghana, in partnership with the National Queen Mothers Association, Central Region Chapter, recently organized a crucial workshop aimed at equipping Queen Mothers with the tools to identify and counteract the spread of false and misleading information. This sixth annual workshop, themed "Combating Disinformation and Misinformation: The Role of Queen Mothers in Ensuring Good Governance," underscores the critical role these traditional leaders play in shaping community perceptions and promoting informed decision-making.
Nana Ama Ayensua Saara III, the Paramount Queen Mother of the Denkyira Traditional Area and host of the conference, expressed deep gratitude to KAS Ghana for facilitating this timely intervention. Recognizing the detrimental impact of disinformation on local communities, she emphasized the workshop’s importance in empowering Queen Mothers to effectively combat this growing menace. Ms. Anna Lena Sabroso-Wasserfall, Country Representative for KAS Ghana, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the rapid dissemination of information through technology and the urgent need for critical evaluation skills to discern truth from falsehood. She underscored the Queen Mothers’ unique position as trusted community leaders, capable of influencing public discourse and promoting fact-based governance. Their established role as respected voices within their communities makes them ideal advocates for an informed citizenry, crucial in mitigating the potentially damaging effects of misinformation.
Dr. James Kwabena Bomfeh Jnr, facilitator of the workshop, challenged the Queen Mothers to actively engage in national governance. Emphasizing their matriarchal role, even in the selection of chiefs, he argued that their influence extends beyond local communities, impacting district, regional, and ultimately, national affairs. By engaging in informed discussions with chiefs and traditional authorities, Queen Mothers can effectively contribute to policy decisions and shape national discourse. He urged them to reject any notion of exclusion from national dialogue, emphasizing the inherently political nature of their office and their crucial role in shaping national governance.
The President of the Bono Regional Queen Mothers Association, Nana Yaa Ansua, further underscored the workshop’s significance. She emphasized the empowering nature of knowledge in combating misinformation and its relevance to even fundamental traditional processes like the installation of chiefs and Queen Mothers. The interactive nature of the training ensured deep comprehension and facilitated effective knowledge dissemination throughout their communities, promoting informed governance at all levels. This capacity building initiative strengthens the Queen Mothers’ ability to critically assess information and effectively counter the spread of misinformation, ensuring the stability and progress of their communities.
The Konrad Adenauer Stiftung (KAS), a German political foundation established in 1955, champions the promotion of democracy, rule of law, social market economy, and human rights globally. Operating in over 120 countries, KAS demonstrates a commitment to strengthening democratic institutions and fostering informed citizenry worldwide. In partnering with the Queen Mothers of Ghana’s Central Region, KAS recognizes the vital role of traditional leadership in combating disinformation and fostering good governance. This collaborative approach leverages existing community structures to address critical societal challenges and contribute to the overall strengthening of democratic values.
This initiative not only reflects KAS’s commitment to promoting democratic values but also underscores the importance of engaging traditional leaders in modern governance challenges. By equipping Queen Mothers with the necessary skills to identify and counteract disinformation, the workshop strengthens their role as guardians of truth and promoters of informed decision-making within their communities. This bottom-up approach recognizes the unique influence of traditional leaders and leverages their established roles to foster a more resilient and informed society, better equipped to navigate the complex information landscape of the digital age. The empowerment of Queen Mothers in this context represents a significant step towards ensuring that accurate information forms the basis of public discourse and decision-making, ultimately contributing to stronger democratic practices and greater social cohesion.