Ghana Grapples with Misinformation Epidemic: MFWA Calls for Decisive Action
Accra, Ghana – The Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) has issued a stark warning about the pervasive spread of misinformation and disinformation in Ghana, calling for urgent action from the government, tech companies, media organizations, and civil society. A comprehensive study conducted by the MFWA reveals a troubling landscape where fabricated narratives and half-truths are disseminated with alarming frequency, particularly during election cycles. The study identifies political actors, media outlets, and influencers as the primary culprits in this information crisis, exploiting both traditional and social media platforms to spread misleading and divisive content.
The report highlights social media as a "basic instrument" for the dissemination of false information, with algorithms prioritizing engagement over accuracy and amplifying falsehoods. This creates an environment where it becomes increasingly difficult for the public to distinguish between truth and lies. Furthermore, the study points to politically affiliated mainstream media outlets as being complicit in the spread of hate speech and disinformation, often operating with impunity due to a lack of awareness or disregard for ethical codes of conduct. The MFWA emphasizes the need for greater media accountability and regulation to address this issue.
The study categorizes misinformation and disinformation into political, religious, economic, and scientific domains, illustrating the diverse ways in which false narratives can manipulate public opinion and sow discord. Political disinformation, in particular, is identified as a pervasive currency during elections, capable of influencing voter decisions and undermining democratic processes. Economic disinformation, linked to initiatives like the push for a cashless society, is also on the rise. Meanwhile, religious disinformation further exacerbates existing tensions within society. The report underscores the urgent need for interventions that equip citizens with the critical thinking skills to identify and debunk these manipulative tactics.
The MFWA’s recommendations for tackling this infodemic are multi-pronged, addressing the roles of various stakeholders. The government is urged to take decisive action against technology firms and media houses that allow their platforms to become conduits for the spread of misinformation. This includes implementing regulatory frameworks and sanction regimes to hold these entities accountable. The Foundation also emphasizes the importance of community outreach and sensitization programs to educate the public, particularly the youth, about the harmful effects of misinformation and disinformation.
Within the media industry, the MFWA calls for the establishment of fact-checking desks in newsrooms to ensure accuracy and promote responsible reporting. Media organizations, political parties, civil society groups, and community-based organizations are encouraged to empower citizens with the knowledge and technological skills necessary to identify fake content. Collaboration is key, and the MFWA advocates for the formation of networks against misinformation, disinformation, hate speech, and polarization, both within Ghana and across the region.
International cooperation is also recognized as crucial. The British High Commission in Ghana has expressed its commitment to supporting efforts to combat misinformation, recognizing the threat it poses to democracy and good governance. The UK government emphasizes the importance of a free and independent media in building public trust and calls on journalists, social media influencers, and political actors to act responsibly and uphold ethical standards in their communication. The global nature of this challenge requires collaborative efforts between governments, tech companies, and civil society to safeguard democratic values and protect societies from the corrosive effects of misinformation. The MFWA’s call for action serves as a wake-up call for Ghana and the wider international community to address this urgent issue and preserve the integrity of information ecosystems.