Ghana’s Minister for Communications, Samuel Nartey George, has disclosed that his Ministry is preparing a new legal framework aimed at combating misinformation and disinformation within the country.
The proposed bill will soon be submitted to Parliament for review, to be passed into law to create a more structured approach to dealing with the issue.
In a press briefing held on Wednesday, April 9, Mr George explained that once Parliament reviews the document, it will move forward in the legislative process.
He emphasized the importance of this new law to help law enforcement agencies address misinformation and disinformation more effectively.
“I will be presenting a specialized bill on misinformation and disinformation for Parliament’s consideration at its next sitting. Once passed, this will establish a clear legal structure for enforcing these laws,” Mr George noted.
The Ningo Prampram Member of Parliament also warned that individuals found guilty of spreading false or misleading information would face serious consequences.
“Consider this a warning—once this law is enacted, we will take strong action against those involved in the dissemination of misinformation,” he said.
The Minister stressed the need for a united effort to address the problem. “It’s our collective civic responsibility to ensure we communicate responsibly,” he urged.
He further explained that the law’s introduction is in line with a commitment to transparency.
The increasing spread of misinformation and disinformation, driven by factors like political influences, low media literacy, the rise of social media, and the advent of artificial intelligence, continues to create significant challenges, not only in Ghana but across Africa and globally.
Misinformation and disinformation have been linked to a variety of negative effects, including political instability and social divisions.
In line with efforts to address these issues, last year, The Ghana Report organized a summit to address misinformation and disinformation ahead of the 2024 elections.
This initiative provided a platform for key stakeholders to engage in meaningful conversations about the role of media and technology in the spread of misinformation in modern society.
This new initiative reflects Ghana’s commitment to fostering an informed and responsible public, ensuring that future communication in the country remains truthful and transparent.
