As Ghana approaches its December 7 general elections, the Electoral Commission (EC) is raising an alarm about the dangers of fake news and disinformation, warning that these could seriously disrupt the electoral process. According to the EC, unchecked misinformation could threaten voter confidence, incite tensions, and undermine the peaceful conduct of the election, potentially tarnishing the credibility of the results.
To address these concerns, the EC is urging proactive steps to prevent the spread of false information. Director of Training at the EC, Dr. Serebour Quaicoo, emphasized the importance of verifying information before it is shared with the public. During a media interview on Tuesday, November 12, Dr. Quaicoo underscored the responsibility that media outlets, as well as individual citizens, hold in ensuring a safe and informed electoral process.
He expressed deep concern about the potential impact of misinformation, noting how quickly rumors and fake news can spread through traditional and social media. “My greatest fear for Election 2024 is misinformation,” Dr. Quaicoo said. “Both the traditional and social media at times are in a hurry to put forward information without checking the authenticity.” He cited how easily misleading content can influence public opinion, and stressed the need for accuracy, particularly in such a high-stakes national event as the election.
According to Dr. Quaicoo, the rapid spread of unverified information, such as misleading videos, fabricated reports, or out-of-context images, could create confusion among voters and lead to unnecessary anxiety or distrust. He noted that misinformation can mislead citizens on critical details, from voting procedures to polling locations, creating logistical challenges and reducing the public’s confidence in the integrity of the process.
In the worst-case scenario, he warned, this misinformation could contribute to civil unrest, especially if it is not effectively managed.
The EC, he explained, is taking measures to counter the risks associated with misinformation. In particular, it is working to strengthen its communication channels, aiming to ensure that accurate and timely information is available to the public. This includes collaborating with media organizations to provide reliable election updates and encouraging them to prioritize accuracy over speed in their reporting.
By sharing verified information, the EC hopes to minimize the impact of false or misleading narratives that may otherwise influence voters’ perceptions and actions.
Dr. Quaicoo also urged the public to be vigilant about the sources of election-related information, recommending that voters turn to credible sources for news updates rather than relying on unverified reports circulating online. He encouraged people to report any suspicious or questionable information to the appropriate authorities, thereby helping to curb the spread of misinformation.
The EC’s strategy is built on the understanding that citizens play a vital role in ensuring a fair and transparent election. By relying on credible information sources, voters can avoid being misled and contribute to a peaceful, well-informed electoral environment. Dr. Quaicoo expressed hope that through combined efforts, Ghana can uphold the integrity of its democratic processes and prevent misinformation from interfering with this important national exercise.
Reflecting on the potential for election-related disinformation, Dr. Quaicoo warned of instances where fabricated videos or images, unrelated to Ghana’s elections, could surface online to mislead the public. He noted that in recent years, digital manipulation has made it easier for fake content to appear authentic, which could have dangerous implications in an election context.
“I am seeing ahead of us where people will come out with some videos that may not even be related to Ghana’s election,” he said, highlighting the risks of manipulated media.
The EC’s concern is well-founded. Across the globe, misinformation has increasingly affected political outcomes, contributing to polarization and, in some cases, even violence. Social media has proven to be a powerful tool in spreading both information and misinformation rapidly, often reaching millions within minutes. Recognizing this, the EC is urging both the public and media outlets to take the necessary steps to verify content, especially in the high-pressure environment of an election.
The need for reliable information is especially critical in situations where voters may be influenced by what they see and read without further verification. For example, misleading content suggesting a polling station has closed early, or a false report alleging voting machine malfunctions, could discourage people from voting, affecting turnout and the election outcome. The EC hopes that by encouraging a culture of verification and responsible sharing, it can combat such risks.
The stakes are high, as elections are not only a time for citizens to exercise their democratic rights but also a period that often brings heightened emotions and political tensions.
With the advent of fast-paced social media platforms, misinformation can spiral out of control if left unchecked, leading to public doubt in election results or even inciting protests. The EC’s efforts to prevent this reflect its commitment to maintaining a peaceful, orderly election, where voters can trust that their choices are respected.
To this end, the EC’s campaign against misinformation includes close collaboration with media outlets, community leaders, and civil society organizations to raise awareness on the risks associated with fake news. They are working to ensure that citizens understand how to identify credible information sources and avoid spreading rumors. This collective effort, Dr. Quaicoo hopes, will reduce the likelihood of voters being misled and allow the election to proceed smoothly.
Dr. Quaicoo’s message to the public is clear: do not trust every piece of information encountered, especially on social media, without verifying its source and authenticity. He encourages citizens to question anything that seems suspicious or unverified and to report such content. The EC remains committed to safeguarding the electoral process, and part of that commitment involves encouraging the public to play an active role in combating misinformation.
In the lead-up to December 7, the EC is also considering additional measures, such as engaging with technology companies to help monitor and address any content that may pose a threat to the integrity of the elections. By focusing on transparency and reliable communication, the EC aims to prevent the negative impact of misinformation and uphold public confidence in the democratic process.
In sum, the EC’s call to action is a proactive effort to protect the integrity of Ghana’s elections. Through collective vigilance and responsible sharing, the Commission hopes to foster an environment where misinformation is less likely to gain traction, and citizens can confidently participate in a fair and peaceful election.
