Ghana Commission for UNESCO Launches Campaign to Combat Mis/disinformation Ahead of December Polls

By Osman Abubakari-Sadiq

As Ghana approaches a critical election season, the Ghana Commission for UNESCO has launched a social media campaign aimed at tackling the rampant spread of misinformation and disinformation. This timely initiative responds to growing concerns about the potentially detrimental impact of false information on the electoral process and the very fabric of Ghanaian democracy.

Misinformation and disinformation have become global challenges with far-reaching consequences for democracies. In Ghana, the stakes are particularly high as the nation prepares for its upcoming elections. Misinformation, often spread unintentionally, and disinformation, deliberately crafted to deceive, can sway voter perceptions, distort political debates, and ultimately undermine the integrity of the electoral process.

The “Verify First, Share with Caution” Campaign

The “Verify First, Share with Caution” social media campaign is designed to mitigate the spread of misinformation and disinformation on social media ahead of Ghana’s general elections. The campaign aims to enhance media and information literacy among the public, with a particular focus on encouraging critical thinking and responsible sharing habits among Ghanaian social media users. It will involve sharing tips about media and information literacy (MIL) on social media, outreach sensitizations in second-cycle institutions on MIL, and promotion of responsible content creation.

Background

Disinformation and misinformation, though often used interchangeably, have distinct definitions. According to the Institute for Public Relations (2020), disinformation refers to deliberately misleading or false information intended to deceive. In contrast, misinformation is false or misleading information shared without the intent to deceive, often due to ignorance, carelessness, or error.

Researcher Samantha Lai at The Brookings Institution (2022) highlights that social media platforms are fertile grounds for disinformation due to the vast amount of information they host and the ease of sharing. In previous elections, malicious actors have spread disinformation about incorrect polling locations, voting dates, and election fraud, as well as stories of threats from law enforcement at polling locations, thereby sowing doubts about the overall trustworthiness of the election process.

Campaign Objectives

The Ghana Commission for UNESCO’s campaign adopts a multifaceted approach to address these issues. Its primary objectives include:

1. Educating the Public: Increasing awareness about the nature and dangers of misinformation and disinformation.
2. Promoting Critical Thinking: Encouraging citizens to critically evaluate information before sharing it.
3. Providing Verification Tools: Equipping the public with resources and tools to verify the accuracy of information.
4. Fostering a Culture of Responsible Sharing: Creating a community committed to spreading accurate and verified information.
5. Enhancing Media Literacy: Improving the public’s ability to analyze and evaluate media content critically.

Key Messages

1. Think Before You Share: Emphasizing the importance of verifying information before sharing it online.
2. Stop, Verify, Share: Promoting a simple, actionable process for responsible sharing.
3. Truth Matters: Highlighting the value of truth in preserving democratic integrity.
4. Be a Fact-Checker: Encouraging individuals to take responsibility for verifying the information they encounter.
5. Protect Your Vote with Accurate Information: Stressing the importance of being well-informed when making voting decisions.

Collaborative Efforts

The initiative is in collaboration with the Media and Information Literacy Club (MIL Club) at the University of Media, Arts, and Communication (UniMAC) and includes a sensitization tour of UNESCO Clubs in senior high schools across the Greater Accra Metropolis. These efforts aim to engage young people and educators in the fight against misinformation, ensuring a more informed electorate.

As Ghana gears up for its upcoming elections, the Ghana Commission for UNESCO’s campaign stands as a critical effort to safeguard the democratic process. By promoting media literacy, critical thinking, and responsible information sharing, this campaign aims to foster a well-informed public capable of making sound electoral choices based on facts, not falsehoods.