Minister Samuel Nartey George to Present Legal Framework Against Misinformation and Disinformation
The Minister for Communications, Samuel Nartey George, has announced that his Ministry will soon present a legal document to Parliament aimed at addressing the growing issues of misinformation and disinformation in Ghana. This document will outline comprehensive measures to combat the spread of false information and create a clear legal framework for enforcement.
During a press briefing on Wednesday, April 9, the Ningo Prampram Member of Parliament (MP) shared that once the document is reviewed and passed by Parliament, it will be enacted into law to provide a solid foundation for dealing with these challenges.
“I will present a specialized legislation on misinformation and disinformation before Parliament in the next meeting, so it can be passed into law,” George stated. “This law will ensure a clear legal framework for law enforcement to effectively tackle this issue.”
The Minister further emphasized that anyone found guilty of spreading false information will not be exempt from punishment once the law is passed. “Notice is served—once the law is enacted, we will take action against anyone involved in spreading misinformation or disinformation,” he warned.
George also stressed the importance of a collective approach to addressing the issue. “We all have a civic responsibility to be mindful of what we communicate,” he added.
The legislation, he noted, is crucial for transparency and will be an essential tool in addressing misinformation and disinformation, which continue to cause significant challenges in Ghana and across Africa. Factors such as political influence, low media literacy, the rise of social media, and emerging technologies like artificial intelligence contribute to the spread of false information. These challenges often lead to political instability and social divisions.
Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), such as the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA), have also been at the forefront of efforts to combat misinformation. The MFWA has conducted training programs for media professionals and other groups, particularly around election periods, to educate them on identifying and combating misinformation.
With this new legislation in the works, the Ghanaian government is taking a significant step toward ensuring that misinformation and disinformation are effectively managed and prevented in the future.
