Accra: The National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) has urged students at the John Teye Memorial Institute in Accra to verify the accuracy of information before disseminating it. This caution comes as part of efforts to combat the spread of false information, which can undermine trust and incite fear, panic, and violence.
According to Ghana News Agency, Madam Gloria Amarkie Kudo, the Deputy Greater Accra Regional Director of the NCCE, conveyed this message during a forum organized in collaboration with the French Embassy. The event aimed to educate students on different forms of information disorder, such as misinformation, disinformation, and hate speech. The forum is part of a broader initiative to highlight the detrimental effects of information disorder and provide students with basic skills to identify it.
Ms. Kudo pointed out that the rise of social media has significantly influenced the dissemination of information. She emphasized that not all information available online is reliable and should be shared cautiously. "With the influx of social media, access to information is easy. But it is not every information that is authentic. So be sure that whatever you are sending out is correct," she stated.
The students were guided on methods to authenticate information and were advised to confirm news or information from multiple credible sources. In addition, Madam Mabel Manufie, the Municipal Director of the NCCE in Ga North, warned students to be cautious about their social media posts, as they cannot be erased. She encouraged them to utilize social media positively by creating opportunities and enhancing their learning experiences. "Whatever you post on social media cannot be erased so be mindful. Make use of the good side of social media; create jobs, and learn," she advised.
