The Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has warned about the increased threat of misinformation and disinformation in the run-up to the presidential and parliamentary elections in December.
His call becomes even more significant at a time when unverified falsities can have far-reaching effects, resulting in election violence that could potentially destabilise Ghana’s well-earned democracy.
While misinformation and disinformation are not new, they have exploded into greater influence because of social media and the Internet.
It is spreading false or wrong information without an intention to harm, while it is also deliberately spreading false information with malicious intent.
Both can be weaponised during election periods creating confusion, inciting violence and eroding trust in democratic institutions.
Misinformation and disinformation create risks for deeply contested elections like the upcoming one where the ruling party, the New Patriotic Party (NPP), is seeking a third consecutive term and the main opposition, the National Democratic Congress (NDC), wants to end its opposition drought.
Incorrect reporting of election results, made-up stories on candidates and misleading accounts of how voting takes place can all contribute to heightened tensions among voters.
At a recent summit on misinformation and disinformation, President Akufo-Addo recalled how he had suffered such fate and advocated measures to nip the canker in the bud.
The Vice President, Dr. Bawumia, at his media engagement last Sunday also mentioned his ordeal with misinformation and disinformation. The former president, John Dramani Mahama, has also had cause to speak against it.
These kinds of acts are liable to escalate into violent conflicts, especially among young people who are susceptible to online manipulation easily.
Furthermore, such strategies can question the credibility of election results, causing protracted political turmoil.
There are far-reaching implications of misinformation and disinformation beyond the immediate electioneering period.
They could lead to lasting divisions in society, undermine democratic governance and lower public confidence in societal institutions.
Our nation, Ghana, has been a shining example of democracy in West Africa, but failure to check misinformation could have dire consequences for both national and regional stability.
It is for this reason that we agree with the call by the Vice President, more so, as he is a presidential candidate who risks suffering from misinformation and disinformation.
As Vice President Bawumia highlighted, security agencies, including the military and police, must be alert and vigilant.
They should be trained to recognise and respond to misinformation campaigns, particularly those that could incite violence.
We think that close collaboration with intelligence agencies is also essential to identify and neutralize potential threats before they escalate.
The Chronicle believes that tackling this problem of misinformation and disinformation requires a concerted effort from all sections of society.
We urge the government to take the lead in coming up with a framework that deals with the spread of false information. This may include establishing fact-checking agencies that work together with the Electoral Commission to verify information before it is disseminated to the public.
While not infringing on freedom of speech, the government must intensify efforts at enforcing the necessary laws that punish people or groups deliberately spreading lies.
In addition, the judiciary must be prepared to expedite matters relating to disinformation with impartiality and fairness, ensuring that due process is observed without violating individual rights.
It is another crucial election time for Ghana and the country stands at crossroads. What happens before, during and after the elections will decide if Ghana remains an exemplar of democracy in West Africa, or is swayed by misinformation/disinformation disorder.
All stakeholders need to heed Dr. Bawumia’s call to action. Together, through collective efforts, vigilance and commitment towards truth, Ghana can protect her democracy and ensure that forthcoming elections are conducted freely, fairly and peacefully.
