The Electoral Commission (EC) has voiced concerns that fake news and misinformation may significantly influence the upcoming December 7 general elections, potentially shaking voter confidence and jeopardizing the peaceful conduct of the polls.
The EC warns that unchecked false information could mislead voters and damage the election’s credibility, putting the integrity of the process at risk.
To counter these dangers, the EC has emphasized the need for proactive fact-checking to ensure accurate information is shared with the public.
Dr. Serebour Quaicoo, the EC’s Director of Training, underscored that unrestrained misinformation could heighten tensions and erode trust in the electoral process.
“And I said that my greatest fear for Election 2024 is misinformation. Because both the traditional and the social media at times are in a hurry to put forward information without checking the authenticity.”
“So I am saying that I am seeing ahead of us where people will come out with some videos that may not even be related to Ghana’s election,” Dr. Serebour stated.
He urged both media outlets and the public to prioritize correctness over speed when disseminating election-related news.
In a media interview on Tuesday, November 12, Dr. Quaicoo disclosed that the EC is strengthening its communication channels to swiftly provide the public with verified information.
This effort seeks to deliver accurate updates to voters, minimizing the likelihood of misinformation affecting public sentiment during the election period.
Dr. Quaicoo also advised voters to consult reliable sources for updates and to report any dubious or unverified information they come across.
He noted that by approaching information cautiously, citizens can help maintain the election’s integrity and contribute to a transparent and peaceful voting process.