While technology offers many advantages, it also presents significant challenges. Social media, for example, has successfully connected people around the world and created spaces to share ideas and information. However, it has also become a powerful tool for spreading misinformation and disinformation, especially during elections.

This is the most decisive election year in history, with 72 countries going to the polls. According the 2024 Global Risk ReportDisinformation poses a serious threat to democratic processes globally, especially during elections. The report warns that unchecked disinformation can undermine the legitimacy of newly elected governments, fuel political unrest, and potentially destabilize democratic institutions over time.

Ghana is no exception to this, as democracy watchdogs have noted a dangerous rise in misinformation ahead of the December 7, 2024 elections. According to the International Freedom of Expression ExchangeThe main drivers of this problem include political party propaganda, traditional media’s prioritization of speed over accuracy, and the regulatory challenges facing the Ghanaian government.

TO recent youtube video highlights how some Ghanaian politicians are taking advantage of social media to misinform and influence public opinion, including pay influencers to promote their agendas. For example, in 2022, when Ghana experienced a economic crisis where the Ghanaian cedi depreciated massively against the dollar, several Twitter influencers were reported to have been paid to post misleading praise about the ruling government’s efforts to strengthen the cedi.

In another VOA videotelevision journalist Bernard Avle explains how artificial intelligence technology was used to clone her voice and show an intro, which was then used to promote sexual enhancement products on Facebook without her consent.

During the 2020 election, fake news and misinformation contributed to the unrest, with at least eight deaths related to political violence. This year, technology and policy experts are concerned that AI cloning technologies could make the situation worse. As noted in this videoCiti FM has already seen a rise in misinformation, with perpetrators taking advantage of the outlet’s brand and credibility to spread false information. TV3 Ghanaone of the most important media houses in the country, recently fell victim to this, as highlighted in the following tweet:

Ignore this creative that circulated on various social media platforms.

For the latest news, please visit our official website: https://t.co/9cC9uTaGco#TV3GH pic.twitter.com/X1wETX6M3l

— #TV3GH (@tv3_ghana) June 7, 2024

Recognizing the seriousness of this problem, a group of young Ghanaians organized a Youth Against Misinformation conference. In an interview with Global Voices, Malaise Omoloye, 20, a journalist, content creator and one of the co-hosts of the event, shared her thoughts on the motivation behind the conference and the key outcomes.

(ZZ): You recently co-hosted the Youth Against Misinformation conference in Ghana. Can you share what this conference is about and what motivated you to organize it?

(MONTH): The Youth Against Misinformation conference is a platform focused on addressing the spread of misinformation and disinformation, especially as it affects young people. This conference brings together young people from all industries, digital creators and media literacy advocates to empower them with skills to identify, counter and prevent the spread of false information. The event provided a platform for open discussions and collaborative efforts among participants to build a more informed and media literate generation.

What motivated me to co-host the event was my passion for media information literacy and my commitment to empowering young people with the skills and tools necessary to navigate today’s complex media landscape. As a journalist and content creator, I recognize the immense influence that misinformation can have on public opinion and social dynamics. By educating and equipping young people, we can encourage a more critical and insightful approach to media consumption. Partnering with organizations such as Penplusbytes, UNESCO Ghana, DW Akademie and Youth Komnunity made this conference a powerful opportunity to make a significant impact.

(ZZ): What were the results of this conference?

(MONTH): One of the important outcomes of the conference was interactive sessions that provided participants with hands-on training on fact-checking tools and essential cybersecurity practices. During this session, attendees learned Dubawaa prominent fact-checking platform in West Africa, allowing users to verify the authenticity of news, images and information. Participants gained valuable skills in detecting and countering misinformation in real time using the Dubawa robot.

In addition to data verification, the other session covered crucial aspects of cybersecurity and intelligence, emphasizing the importance of safe online practices and the protection of personal data. Participants learned strategies to safeguard their digital presence, recognize phishing attempts, and understand the basics of cyber threats. This is particularly vital in an era where misinformation is often spread through digital platforms and where cyber threats can compromise both individual privacy and the reliability of shared information.

(ZZ): You moderated a roundtable on misinformation and its influence on polls. Can you share what this panel discussion was about and the key takeaways from the discussion?

(MONTH): Moderating the panel discussion on ‘Disinformation and its influence on decision-making and actions at the ballot box’ provided an in-depth look at how disinformation affects democratic processes, particularly during elections. This discussion explored the ways in which false information, spread through social media and other digital channels, can shape public perception, influence voter behavior, and ultimately influence election results. Given the critical role that elections play in shaping policy and governance, the discussion highlighted the importance of countering misinformation to ensure informed and fair decision-making among voters.

This research on social media and elections in Ghana highlights how political parties are increasingly using social media as a strategic channel to reach and engage voters, particularly people between 18 and 35 years old.

With a population of more than 34.65 millionmore than half of Ghanaians are online. WhatsApp is the most used platform, with 10.1 million users, and is widely used by both the ruling party and the opposition to spread messages during election periods. It is followed in popularity by Facebook, with 7.4 million users, where National Democratic Congress and the New Patriotic Party They regularly share content, which sometimes includes misinformation and attacks on rivals. Although X (formerly Twitter) has a smaller user base of 1.17 million in Ghana, it remains an important platform for discussions on national issues.

According to the MyJoyOnline news websiteOn November 9, a coalition of civil society organizations known as the Ghana Fact-Checking Coalition launched a major initiative to combat disinformation that threatens the country’s democratic integrity. This initiative brings together more than 100 media outlets and almost 50 journalists across Ghana, who will help verify and distribute verified reports to communities across the country. To reach diverse audiences, reports will be available in approximately 45 local languages.

As Ghanaians prepare to go to the polls on December 7, only time will tell if these initiatives have effectively curbed the spread of misinformation and disinformation.