The Rising Tide of Disinformation: A Threat to Ghana’s Democratic Future
In September 2024, a statement by Dr. Albert Antwi-Boasiako, Director-General of Ghana’s Cyber Security Authority, resonated across the nation: "We must engage actively in improving our digital literacy and promoting healthy online habits… Each citizen should be educated to recognize false and malicious information." This call to action highlighted a growing concern about the spread of misinformation and disinformation, especially in the context of Ghana’s December 2024 elections. The pervasiveness of false information online, amplified by social media, poses a significant threat to the integrity of democratic processes and national cohesion. A recent incident involving a manipulated video of prominent radio presenter Bernard Avle, purportedly promoting drugs, underscores the insidious nature of this challenge. The video sparked heated debate, with some believing it to be authentic and others suspecting AI-generated manipulation, highlighting the difficulty in discerning truth from falsehood in the digital age.
The distinction between misinformation and disinformation is crucial. Misinformation refers to the unintentional spread of false information, while disinformation involves the deliberate dissemination of fabricated content to mislead. Both, however, can erode public trust and undermine democratic institutions. In Ghana, with a burgeoning social media landscape – 7.4 million users representing 21.5% of the population, 41% of whom rely on these platforms for news – the rapid and often unregulated sharing of information creates a fertile ground for the propagation of fake news. This is compounded by the emergence of sophisticated technologies like “deepfakes,” AI-generated manipulations of audio and video that can fabricate convincingly realistic depictions of individuals saying or doing things they never did. The incident involving the manipulated video of Bernard Avle, echoing similar incidents involving international figures like Donald Trump, exemplifies the potential for deepfakes to deceive and manipulate public perception, further blurring the lines between reality and fabrication.
The impact of misinformation and disinformation on democratic processes is profound. A 2019 GhanaFact survey revealed that 69% of respondents had encountered misinformation, and 90% believed the 2020 elections were vulnerable to manipulation. These anxieties remain relevant in the wake of the 2024 elections. Misinformation erodes public trust in institutions, manipulates voter behavior, and can ultimately lead to a loss of faith in the democratic system itself. The potential consequences include contested election results, hampered transitions of power, increased societal polarization, and threats to national security and cohesion. In Ghana, where social and cultural dynamics are influenced by religion, regionalism, and political affiliations, the spread of misinformation can exacerbate existing divisions and fuel animosity between groups. Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin’s warning against misleading information underscores the gravity of this threat to national unity.
Mitigating the impact of misinformation and disinformation requires a multi-pronged approach. Increased investment in detection systems and tools by the National Communication Authority (NCA) is crucial. Public-private partnerships, including collaboration with the Ghana Journalist Association (GJA), can foster the development of robust policies and regulations to combat media sensationalism and promote media literacy. Initiatives by organizations like Newmark Group Ltd., which are actively working to combat misinformation, provide encouraging examples. Holding social media platforms accountable for the content shared on their networks is also essential. While critics debate the sufficiency of current measures, many platforms have implemented fact-checking mechanisms and are exploring stricter content moderation policies, such as labeling and downranking false information. These efforts, however, must be continually refined and strengthened.
The fight against misinformation and disinformation is not solely the responsibility of institutions and organizations. It requires the active participation of every citizen. Promoting digital literacy and fostering critical thinking skills are paramount. Individuals must be equipped to identify and evaluate the credibility of information sources, recognize manipulative tactics, and engage responsibly with online content. Educational campaigns, both online and offline, can play a significant role in empowering citizens to navigate the complex digital landscape and make informed decisions. The principles of responsible online behavior should be emphasized: verifying information before sharing, challenging suspicious content, and reporting instances of misinformation or disinformation.
Ultimately, combating the spread of false information hinges on a collective commitment to truth and accuracy. Each individual has a role to play in safeguarding the integrity of information and protecting democratic processes. By embracing critical thinking, promoting media literacy, and holding ourselves and others accountable for the information we consume and share, we can collectively work to mitigate the harmful effects of misinformation and disinformation. This is not just a matter of individual responsibility but a collective duty to protect the foundations of a thriving democracy. The future of Ghana, and indeed of democracies worldwide, depends on our ability to navigate the information age responsibly and discern truth from falsehood. Only through a concerted effort, involving individuals, institutions, and technology platforms, can we ensure that accurate and reliable information prevails, fostering informed decision-making and preserving the integrity of our democratic systems. As citizens, we must be vigilant, discerning, and committed to upholding the truth, thereby contributing to a stronger, more informed, and resilient democratic future for Ghana.
