Ghana to enact law against misinformation and disinformation – Sam George

The Minister for Communications, Samuel Nartey George, announced new legislation. This document will address misinformation and disinformation in Ghana.

He stated that Parliament will review the document soon. Once approved, it will become law to tackle these issues effectively.

During a press briefing on April 9, he said, "I will present a specialized legislation document." He aims to create a clear legal framework for law enforcement.

George warned that anyone spreading misinformation would face consequences. "Notice is served; we will clamp down on you," he added.

He emphasized the need for collaboration to combat this problem. "We have a collective civic duty to be mindful in our communication."

The MP highlighted the importance of transparency in creating this law. Misinformation and disinformation are serious challenges across Africa and beyond.

These issues require cooperation from governments, civil society, media, and tech companies. They often stem from political influence and low media literacy.

Social media and emerging artificial intelligence also contribute to the problem. Limited regulations can exacerbate these challenges as well.

Disinformation can lead to political instability and social divisions in society. In Ghana, some Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) are addressing this issue.

One such organization is the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA). They have organized training sessions for media practitioners over the years.

These trainings aim to discourage misinformation, especially during election years.