President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has disclosed that a comprehensive national action plan to address misinformation and disinformation is currently under review by Cabinet.

Speaking during the Ghana Report Summit at Accra yesterday, the President said the initiative was specifically designed to safeguard the integrity of the upcoming 2024 general elections in Ghana.

He mentioned that the national action plan includes several key initiatives like strengthening regulatory frameworks.

“The government is enhancing legal and regulatory frameworks to hold individuals and organisations accountable for spreading false information. This will involve stricter penalties for those found guilty of disseminating misinformation and disinformation,” he explained.

The President revealed that the government was working with social media companies and other tech firms to develop mechanisms for monitoring and curbing the spread of false information. He noted that these partnerships were crucial in the fight against digital misinformation and disinformation.

He indicated that nationwide campaigns would be launched to educate citizens about the dangers of misinformation and disinformation. He stressed that these campaigns would promote media literacy, empowering voters to make informed decisions and recognize and reject false information.

The President said government would support fact-checking organisations to play a vital role in verifying information and debunking false claims.

President Akufo-Addo lauded Ghana’s impressive democratic journey, marked by eight successful general elections since the return to constitutional rule in 1993.

He, however, cautioned that misinformation and disinformation pose significant threats to these democratic achievements. “False narratives can distort public perception, undermine trust in our institutions, and even incite violence,” the President warned.

He said the digital age had transformed how information was shared and consumed, offering both opportunities and challenges. “Social media platforms, while beneficial in many ways, have become hotbeds for the rapid spread of false information,” he added.

President Akufo-Addo noted that misinformation and disinformation could distort public perception of candidates and political parties, leading to uninformed decision-making at the polls.

He stated that misinformation campaigns often exploit societal divisions, amplifying existing tensions and risking social cohesion.

The President, therefore, stressed the need for all political actors to commit to truthfulness and transparency in their campaigns.