Ghana Internet Governance Forum Tackles Disinformation: Education, Not New Laws, the Key
The 2025 Ghana Internet Governance Forum (Ghana 2025 IGF) served as a platform for stakeholders to address the growing concerns surrounding disinformation and misinformation in the digital age. Experts and participants converged to discuss strategies for combating the spread of false and misleading information while upholding human rights and freedom of expression. The consensus reached was that education and awareness creation, coupled with the effective enforcement of existing laws, are crucial in tackling the menace. New legislation was deemed unnecessary, with the emphasis placed on a multifaceted approach involving all stakeholders.
A central theme of the discussions was the need for a comprehensive digital literacy campaign to empower citizens with the skills to identify and critically evaluate information online. Madam Vivian Affoah, Programme Manager of the Digital Rights Programme at the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA), stressed the importance of equipping individuals with the ability to distinguish factual information from fabricated content, including AI-generated images and manipulated media. This, she argued, is paramount in curbing the spread of disinformation and misinformation, which thrives in an environment where individuals lack the necessary critical thinking skills.
Furthermore, the forum highlighted the need for consistent and impartial application of existing laws. Madam Affoah emphasized that selective enforcement, based on the individual involved, undermines the rule of law and is counterproductive in the fight against disinformation. She pointed to existing legislation, such as the Cybersecurity Act 2020, the Data Protection Act 2012, and the Electronic Communications Act 2008, as adequate tools for regulating the online space, provided they are enforced without bias.
The multifaceted nature of the challenge was underscored by Madam Bridget Andere, Senior Policy Analyst at Access Now. She acknowledged the historical prevalence of rumors and gossip but emphasized the amplifying effect of the internet, which transforms these into rapidly spreading and potentially destructive forces. Madam Andere advocated for a multi-pronged approach that combines citizen engagement, educational initiatives, and accessible platforms for learning about the dangers of disinformation and misinformation, both for individuals and the state.
The role of tech and digital companies in combating the spread of false information also came under scrutiny. Mr. Garvin Emmanuel Appiah, CEO of DoubleOSEC, a tech company, called for greater responsibility from these companies in verifying and validating information before dissemination. While acknowledging the limitations of legislation as a sole solution, he suggested amendments to the Cybersecurity Act 2020 to address emerging challenges, particularly in relation to AI-generated content and other sophisticated forms of manipulation.
The discussion clarified the distinctions between disinformation, misinformation, and mal-information. Disinformation was defined as the deliberate dissemination of false information, while misinformation refers to the unintentional spread of false or misleading content. Mal-information, on the other hand, involves using factual information out of context to manipulate or mislead. Understanding these nuances is crucial for developing targeted strategies to address each form of information manipulation.
In conclusion, the Ghana 2025 IGF emphasized a collaborative approach involving citizens, government, and tech companies to combat the spread of disinformation and misinformation. Education and awareness creation were identified as key pillars, empowering citizens with the critical thinking skills needed to navigate the digital landscape. The forum underscored the importance of consistent and impartial enforcement of existing laws, rather than enacting new legislation, and called upon tech companies to assume greater responsibility in verifying information before dissemination. The ultimate goal is to create a more informed and resilient online environment where citizens can access reliable information and exercise their rights responsibly.