Countering mis/disinformation and propaganda requires collaborative efforts – Peace Council

The Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) in collaboration with the National Peace Council (NPC) and the National Commission for Civic Education held a public forum on “Countering Mis/Disinformation and Propaganda Narratives in the 2024 Elections in Ghana on Wednesday, 27 March 2024 at the Accra International Conference Centre (AICC).
Among dignitaries present were Hon. Fatimatu Abubakar, Minister of Information Designate; Rev. Dr. Ernest Adu Gyamfi, Chairman of the National Peace Council, and the forum; Mr. Richard Sandall, Development Director of the British High Commission and Sulemana Braimah, Executive Director, MFWA among others.
As part of the forum, Mr. Alfred Ocansey of Media General moderated a panel discussion on the subject matter. The panelists were Kwaku Krobea Asante, Lead, Fact–Check Ghana; Ernest Lartey, Head, Peace and Security Programme, KAIPTC and Gloria Hiadzi, Executive Secretary, GIBA.
Some selected stakeholders such as the Ghana Journalist Association, the Christian Council of Ghana, the Ghana Pentecostal and Charismatic Council, Political Parties among others committed to peace statements.

SPEECH BY REV. DR. ERNEST ADU-GYAMFI, CHAIRMAN OF THE NATIONAL PEACE COUNCIL ON THE OCCASION OF A PUBLIC FORUM AT THE ACCRA INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE CENTRE ON WEDNESDAY 26TH MARCH 2024.
It is an honour to be called upon to chair this function. The topic for discussion is a matter of utmost importance for the cohesion and prosperity of our beloved nation, Ghana due to the scourge of misinformation, disinformation and hate speech being churned out daily in the media space.
In the fast-paced digital age, countering mis/disinformation and propaganda narratives has become a critical challenge for nations across the globe. As Ghana gears up for its 2024 election, the need to tackle the spread of false information and manipulative narratives has never been more pressing.
Misinformation has become a weapon in the world of politics, capable of influencing public opinion and potentially swaying election outcomes. The 2020 elections were no exception as false narratives and misleading content spread like wildfire. The consequences of these actions cannot be underestimated.
One of the most significant impacts of misinformation on the election process is the erosion of trust in the democratic system. When voters are bombarded with false information, it becomes increasingly difficult for them to make informed decisions. This undermines the very foundation of democracy and leaves voters feeling disillusioned and manipulated. When false narratives dominate public discourse, it becomes challenging to separate fact from fiction.
In addition to misinformation, hate speech played a significant role in the 2020 elections. Hate speech not only contributes to a toxic political climate but also undermines the principles of democracy and equality.
The impact of hate speech extends beyond the election period. It perpetuates a culture of division and animosity, making it increasingly difficult for different political factions to find common ground. This polarization hampers meaningful dialogue and obstructs the search for shared solutions to complex issues.
When inflammatory rhetoric becomes commonplace, it desensitizes individuals to the impact of their words. Respectful and civil discourse is replaced with insults and personal attacks, degrading the quality of political discussions.
Countering mis/disinformation and propaganda requires collaborative efforts between government agencies, civil society organisations, and tech companies. This is why NPC is partnering with MFWA to host this programme. Stakeholders can leverage their expertise to develop comprehensive strategies and implement effective solutions by working together.
I hope that today’s forum will provide a solution to this development in our political space. Let us stand united in defending the principles of democracy, promoting transparency, and empowering the electorate with accurate information. It is only by doing so can we ensure that Ghana’s 2024 election is a true reflection of the will of the people.
On this note, I accept the honor to chair today’s function.