The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, has issued a stern warning against the spread of disinformation in the lead-up to the December 7 general elections.
Speaking at the Alisa Hotel in Accra on Thursday, July 4, during a session with an eminent group organized by the Christian Council of Ghana, Dr. Dampare emphasized the importance of accurate information in maintaining peace and security.
Dr. Dampare underscored the critical need for Ghanaians to verify information before sharing it to avoid the damaging effects of misinformation and fake news.
“In the current era of rapid information exchange, managing misinformation, disinformation, and fake news is crucial. These issues can cause significant harm if not addressed properly,” he stated.
He urged all citizens to scrutinize and confirm information, promoting responsible sharing practices to uphold the peace that Ghana has long cherished.
“We need to interrogate and verify information before sharing it to avoid spreading falsehoods that could disrupt peace and security,” Dr. Dampare stressed.
In a bid to further these efforts, Dr. Dampare called on religious leaders to support the initiative. He proposed that police officers engage with religious congregations to discuss election security and address concerns.
“We believe that proactive engagement with congregants every week, discussing the importance of peace, security, and proper conduct during elections, will help achieve our goals,” he noted.
The IGP highlighted that such proactive engagement is essential for ensuring comprehensive election security and countering the spread of false information.