Ghana Prepares to Tackle Misinformation with New Legislation
Accra, Ghana – The Ghanaian government is taking decisive steps to combat the growing threat of misinformation and disinformation within its digital landscape. The Minister of Communication, Digital Technology, and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, announced the development of the National Anti-Misinformation Bill during a press briefing on July 3, 2025. This proposed legislation aims to establish a clear legal framework to address the deliberate spread of false or harmful online content while simultaneously upholding the fundamental right to freedom of expression. The bill is scheduled to be presented to Parliament in its upcoming session, marking a significant move towards fostering a more trustworthy and accountable digital sphere in Ghana.
The Minister emphasized the bill’s focus on maintaining a delicate balance between curbing misinformation and protecting freedom of speech. He acknowledged the importance of preserving democratic values while acknowledging the potential harm caused by the unchecked proliferation of false information. The legislation seeks to define clear boundaries where the right to free expression transitions into a responsibility to avoid spreading misinformation. This nuanced approach underscores the government’s commitment to fostering healthy public discourse while addressing the potential for misuse of online platforms.
In addition to the legislative efforts, the National Information Technology Agency (NITA) is spearheading several initiatives to strengthen Ghana’s digital infrastructure and combat misinformation. These initiatives include the development of a data exchange hub to streamline communication between government agencies and reduce data duplication. NITA is also piloting an AI-powered public service platform, incorporating chatbots and predictive analytics for use in sectors like education and health. A key component of this platform is a public misinformation verification tool, designed to enable citizens to authenticate official government documents and counter the spread of fabricated information.
This misinformation verification tool is designed to address the growing concern of forged or manipulated official documents circulating online. The Minister highlighted the platform’s potential to easily verify the authenticity of government statements and documents, providing citizens with a reliable method to distinguish between genuine information and misinformation. This tool represents a significant step towards empowering citizens to critically evaluate information and make informed decisions based on verified sources.
The government’s proactive approach to tackling information disorder has received support from various quarters, including the judiciary. Supreme Court Justice Sir Dennis Dominic Adjei, during his parliamentary vetting, expressed his support for legislation criminalizing misinformation and the creation of fake accounts. He argued that such activities, already considered offenses in traditional contexts, should be equally punishable when transposed to the digital realm. This perspective highlights the growing recognition of the real-world impact of online falsehoods and the need for robust legal frameworks to address them.
However, the proposed legislation has also sparked concerns among media rights activists. They caution against the potential for misuse and overreach, particularly given the existing vagueness in certain sections of Ghana’s legal framework relating to online content. They emphasize the importance of ensuring that any new legislation is carefully crafted to avoid stifling legitimate dissent or infringing on freedom of expression. This ongoing debate underscores the complex challenge of balancing the need to combat misinformation with the fundamental right to freedom of speech in the digital age. The Ghanaian government’s efforts represent a significant case study in how nations are grappling with this evolving challenge. The development and implementation of the National Anti-Misinformation Bill will be closely watched by stakeholders both within Ghana and internationally, as it will likely serve as a precedent for similar legislative efforts in other countries.
