Director-General of the Cyber Security Authority (CSA), Dr. Albert Antwi-Boasiako has emphasized the critical need to tackle the growing threats of misinformation and disinformation as Ghana approaches its 2024 Presidential and Parliamentary elections.
Speaking at the media launch of the National Cyber Security Awareness Month (NCSAM) 2024 at the Ministry of Information Press Centre on Sunday, September 1, Dr. Antwi-Boasiako called for a collective effort to safeguard the integrity of Ghana’s digital democracy.
The event, which was attended by prominent dignitaries including the Minister of Communications and Digitalisation, Mrs. Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, and the Minister of Information, Hon. Fatimatu Abubakar, marked the beginning of a nationwide initiative aimed at promoting safer online practices under the theme, “Combating Misinformation/Disinformation in a Digitally Resilient Democracy; Our Collective Responsibility.”
Dr. Antwi-Boasiako highlighted the profound impact digitalisation has had on modern society, noting that while it offers significant benefits, it also brings inherent risks.
“With over 5 billion Internet users worldwide, digital technologies have become an indispensable component of modern democracy, playing an integral role in shaping democratic processes,” he said.
However, he warned that this dependence on digital platforms also heightens the risks of misinformation and disinformation, which can undermine trust in institutions and destabilise democratic processes.
Citing research by the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (IDEA) and the University of Oxford, Dr. Antwi-Boasiako underscored the global and local implications of disinformation, particularly during electoral cycles.
He pointed out that a significant portion of disinformation during elections is initiated by unspecified social media users, candidates, and online media publications, making it imperative for all stakeholders to engage in mitigating these threats.
As part of efforts to combat misinformation, the CSA is collaborating with digital platforms like Meta to ensure rapid responses to reports of false information, especially as the December 2024 elections draw near.
Additionally, the CSA plans to intensify public education on how to detect and report misinformation, stressing that spreading false information is not only dangerous but also a crime under Ghanaian law.
Dr. Antwi-Boasiako concluded his address by urging the public, media, and civil society to actively participate in this year’s NCSAM activities.
He called for greater collaboration and coordination among stakeholders to develop comprehensive strategies for mitigating the spread of misinformation and disinformation, emphasizing the importance of regular fact-checking as a primary measure to prevent the spread of false information.
“Let us all work together to ensure that our digital democracy remains resilient, transparent, and accountable. The fight against misinformation is a collective responsibility, and it starts with each one of us,” Dr. Antwi-Boasiako stated.
Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith
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