The Ghana Police Service has inaugurated a National Election Security Taskforce Press Briefing Centre to combat the spread of misinformation ahead of the December 7 general elections.
Inspector General of Police (IGP), Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, emphasized the importance of managing information responsibly, noting the harmful effects misinformation and disinformation can have on public trust and the democratic process.
During a meeting with senior journalists and editors in Accra, Dr. Dampare urged the media to collaborate with the police to ensure that false information plays no role in the electoral exercise.
“It is for that reason that we are setting up National Election Security Taskforce Press Briefing Centre. A tent air-conditioned with the capacity to take an average of 100 reporters. You can come, and we will serve you coffee and tea and, of course, biscuits and relax. You can be with us 24/7, and we will be sharing the information with the speed of light.
“Something has happened; it has come to our attention; we are dealing with it, and we will come and give you more details. And if you have more details to give us, you bring it to our attention, and we will crosscheck, then we put it out there. Instantly, every now and then, there will be somebody there to speak,” the IGP stated.
He added that this initiative is groundbreaking, with updates being shared in seven languages to ensure a broader reach and better understanding across diverse communities.
Dr. Dampare further appealed to journalists to prioritize accuracy over speed when reporting, cautioning against publishing unverified information.
“What is the plea we want from you? As you help us fight misinformation, please, if you hear something, put your patriotic, nationalistic hat on first so that you will assess it to say if it is the truth, and I put it out there, no problem. But if I am not sure of it and it is hearsay, please let’s be a little patient. Check with us, check with other institutions or stakeholders who have further and better particulars on it so that we can be very sure before we put it out there.”
The Press Briefing Centre represents a key part of the police’s strategy to ensure transparency, foster media collaboration, and protect the credibility of the electoral process through efficient communication.