Accra: The Electoral Commission (EC) has called for urgent measures to address misinformation and disinformation in Ghana's electoral process. Speaking on behalf of Mrs. Jean Mensa, EC Chairperson, Mr. Benjamin Bano-Bioh, Director of Electoral Services, said misinformation presented a significant threat to democracy.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr. Bano-Bioh made these remarks at the launch of the report titled 'The State of Misinformation, Polarization, and State Threats to Ghana' by the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) in Accra. He noted that misinformation on social media created fear and distrust among voters despite smooth voting and counting at all 40,648 polling stations during the 2024 general elections.
'Misinformation and disinformation amplified through social media created an environment of doubt, fear, and suspicion among the electorate,' he said, highlighting how misleading narratives fueled tensions and disruptions during the collation process. To combat this, he stressed the need for robust fact-checking mechanisms, voter education, and accountability in political communication.
Mr. Bano-Bioh emphasized the importance of strengthening fact-check mechanisms, stating, 'There is an urgent need for collaboration between the Electoral Commission, civil society organisations, and the media to establish robust fact-checking initiatives that counter misinformation in real-time.' He also announced plans for an all-year-round voter education initiative to equip the electorate with the knowledge and skills to critically assess information, especially in the digital space.
The Commission plans to commence an enhanced, all-year-long voter education program to enable voters to make informed choices, urging stakeholders to protect the integrity of Ghana's electoral process. Mr. Bano-Bioh also stressed that ethical communication should be at the forefront of political engagement, adding that political leaders and their supporters must be held accountable for the information they spread before, during, and after elections.
