The European Union (EU), in partnership with the Embassies of the Netherlands and France, has launched an ambitious campaign to combat disinformation in the lead-up to Ghana’s 2024 elections.
Dubbed the “Check the Facts; Don’t Get It Twisted” campaign, the initiative is aimed at promoting credible information, media literacy and critical thinking, particularly among young voters.
The campaign aligns with the EU and its Member States’ broader efforts to ensure transparent, inclusive and peaceful elections in Ghana.
The campaign harnesses the influence of popular Ghanaian figures, including celebrities like Dr Likee, Kwame Eugene, Akrobeto, Fancy Gadam, Camidoh, Ama Burland, Gisela, Kojo Jnr and Wiyaala.
By engaging these public figures, the campaign seeks to amplify its message, encouraging young people to think critically and engage in fact-based discussions during the election period.
The “Check the Facts” initiative will feature Skits, Jingles and Podcasts infused with humor to enhance media literacy.
The content will be presented in multiple languages – English, Ga, Twi, Ewe, Sissala, Hausa and Dagbani – to reach diverse audiences across Ghana.
These efforts will continue throughout the election period and the immediate aftermath, focusing on empowering Ghanaians with the skills to identify and reject misinformation.
EU Ambassador to Ghana, Irchad Razaaly, expressed optimism about the campaign’s impact. “This initiative helps to promote responsible reporting and fact-based information sharing in Ghana. We are committed to supporting Ghana’s democratic development and look forward to a successful collaboration with Ghanaian Celebrities and Civil Society Organisations.”
Similarly, French Ambassador to Ghana, Jules Armand Aniambossou, underscored the importance of reliable information access: “France is committed with its European partners, local players and Celebrities to support transparent and inclusive elections that respect democracy.
It is crucial to strengthen access to reliable information in all of Ghana’s most popular languages for all citizens in order to counter the pernicious effects of misinformation.”
The Netherlands Embassy echoed this commitment, emphasising the campaign’s role in fostering informed young voters: “To trust the process, it is important to be well-informed and know how to fact-check the information out there. When young citizens are empowered to seek factual information, they become ambassadors against misinformation and play an active part in Ghanaian democracy.”
Ultimately, the “Check the Facts; Don’t Get It Twisted” campaign aims to protect Ghanaian voters from misinformation and bolster the nation’s resilience against disinformation – an issue that has been identified as a significant global risk over the next two years.
