The Minister for Communications, Hon. Samuel Nartey George, has announced that his Ministry will soon introduce a legislative proposal to Parliament aimed at addressing the growing issues of misinformation and disinformation in the country.
Once reviewed and approved by Parliament, the bill will become law, providing a legal framework to combat the spread of false information.
The minister who was speaking at a press briefing on Wednesday, April 9, stated, “I will present a targeted legislative document on misinformation and disinformation to Parliament for consideration at its next sitting, which will pave the way for a clear legal structure for law enforcement.”
The Member of Parliament for Ningo Prampram further warned that individuals found guilty of disseminating false or misleading information would face serious consequences. “Once this law is enacted, we will take firm action against anyone involved in the spread of misinformation or disinformation,” he added.
He also emphasized the importance of a collective effort in addressing the issue, urging citizens to be more responsible in their communication. “We all have a shared civic responsibility to be cautious in what we communicate,” George remarked, highlighting the need for transparency in tackling this growing challenge.
According to Ghana Independent Broadcasters Association (GIBA), Misinformation and disinformation remain significant concerns across Africa and around the world, often fueled by political agendas, low media literacy, and the widespread use of social media and emerging technologies like artificial intelligence. These issues can lead to political unrest and social divisions, making it crucial for governments, civil society, media, and technology companies to work together in addressing them.
In Ghana, Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) such as the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) and Dubawa have been at the forefront of efforts to raise awareness and train media practitioners, especially during election years, to combat the spread of false Information.
By Desmond Tinana
