Paradigm Initiative, in collaboration with the Internet Society Ghana Chapter, Community Focus Foundation (CFF Ghana), and other stakeholders, recently held the Digital Rights in Africa Election Meetings (DREAM) to underscore the significance of digital rights as Ghana approaches its December 7 elections.
The event aimed to ensure the protection of digital rights before, during, and after the elections while promoting access to credible and verifiable information for citizens.
During the event, President of the Internet Society Ghana Chapter, Francis Acquah Amaning, urged Ghanaians, civil society organizations (CSOs), and media representatives to prioritize fact-checking before disseminating information online.
He emphasized that the rush to be first in reporting often leads to misinformation that can mislead the public.
Mr Amaning called for accountability, professionalism, and ethical standards in journalism as elections draw near.
He also appealed to the Electoral Commission (EC) to promptly relay crucial information to enhance transparency and accountability.
“Delays in releasing important updates can lead to assumptions and misinformation, which undermine public trust,” he stated.
Additionally, Mr Amaning urged government bodies not to shut down internet services during this critical period, as unrestricted access is vital for transparent communication.
Executive Director of Paradigm Initiative, Gbenja Sesan, echoed Mr Amaning’s sentiments, pointing out that the EC must take responsibility for combating misinformation by proactively sharing accurate news.
“The Electoral Commission are guilty for the reason why fake news spread because they don’t release real information on time. When you want fake news to die, release real news in advance,” he cautioned.
He criticized vague statements regarding social media regulation, asserting that controlling social media would not effectively address the issue at hand.
Executive Director of CFF Ghana, Richard Kasu, also called on media houses and journalists to collaborate with CSOs to ensure stable internet connectivity throughout the electoral process.
He reiterated that it is the EC’s duty to guarantee a transparent election and urged against any internet shutdowns that could hinder this goal.
The DREAM event served as a platform for discussing the critical role of digital rights in safeguarding democratic processes in Ghana.
With elections on the horizon, stakeholders emphasized the need for accurate information dissemination and responsible media practices to uphold electoral integrity.
