Politics of Wednesday, 27 November 2024

Source: www.ghanaweb.com

Mis/disinformation could portend danger for our country - MFWA warns journalists

Kwaku Krobea Asante, a Senior Programme Officer at MFWA play videoKwaku Krobea Asante, a Senior Programme Officer at MFWA

The Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) has expressed concerns about the growing trend of misinformation and disinformation, particularly as the 2024 elections approach.

At a press conference in Accra on November 26, 2024, Kwaku Krobea Asante, a Senior Programme Officer at MFWA, pointed out the dangers posed by misinformation campaigns, especially on notable radio stations in the country.

He stated that these campaigns aim to mislead the public about the voting processes, election dates, and the activities of the Electoral Commission.

"As many of you may have observed in the last few days, we are beginning to see a trend of so-called broadcasters mounting misinformation campaigns to mislead the voting public about the voting processes, the days of the elections, the activities of the Electoral Commission on notable radio stations.

"These developments are not only worrying but could portend danger for our country, adding to the already existing tensions emanating from ethnic and chieftaincy conflicts we are all aware of," he noted.

He further explained that misinformation, disinformation, and malinformation are becoming more prevalent due to the rapid growth of media and technology, particularly with the widespread use of generative AI.

"Generally, misinformation, disinformation and malinformation characterise the dark side of the growth in media and technology facilitated by the digital age and now the utilisation of generative AI.

"This is why we are urging the government of Ghana to continue with the good faith of keeping the internet on and not interfering with it. The best way to fight darkness is by shining the light and brightly so.

"People can share their opinions, watch live streams of the electoral proceedings, and can engage each other on the elections; it fosters trust and transparency", he stated.

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