In a rousing address today at the Ghana Report Summit on “Dealing with Misinformation and Disinformation – Election 2024,” President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo underscored the critical need to combat the spread of false information in the democratic process.

Held at the Kempinski Hotel in Accra, the summit brought together key stakeholders to address the growing menace of misinformation and disinformation in the lead-up to the general elections.

President Akufo-Addo began by highlighting Ghana’s exemplary democratic journey, marked by eight successful general elections since the return to constitutional rule in 1993. The peaceful transitions of power between the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) have cemented Ghana’s status as a stable democracy. However, he warned that misinformation and disinformation pose significant threats to these democratic gains.

“Misinformation refers to false or inaccurate information spread unintentionally, while disinformation involves the deliberate dissemination of false information to deceive,” explained President Akufo-Addo. “These false narratives can distort public perception, undermine trust in our institutions, and even incite violence.”

The digital age, with its rapid information dissemination capabilities, has amplified the challenge. Social media platforms, though beneficial in many ways, have become breeding grounds for the spread of false information. President Akufo-Addo emphasized that false information could skew public perception of candidates and political parties, leading to uninformed decision-making at the polls. Moreover, disinformation campaigns often exploit societal divisions, amplifying existing tensions and posing risks to social cohesion.

Reflecting on his experiences, President Akufo-Addo recounted the malicious stories that targeted him during the 2008, 2012, and 2016 presidential elections. From baseless allegations of drug trafficking to fabricated quotes designed to stir ethnic tensions, he has been a victim of numerous false reports. These experiences underscore the urgent need to discern truth from falsehood and to remain vigilant against the dangers of misinformation and disinformation.

To address these challenges, President Akufo-Addo outlined several measures. The government is strengthening regulatory frameworks to hold individuals and organizations accountable for spreading false information. Collaborations with technology companies are essential to develop mechanisms for monitoring and curbing the spread of false information on digital platforms.

Public awareness campaigns are also vital. Educating citizens about the dangers of misinformation and disinformation and promoting media literacy can empower voters to make informed decisions. Supporting fact-checking organizations to verify information and debunk false claims is another important strategy.

In his address, President Akufo-Addo stressed the need for all political actors to commit to truthfulness and transparency in their campaigns. The spread of false information for political gain undermines the democratic process and erodes public trust. Political parties and candidates must engage in constructive dialogue, presenting their ideas and policies to the electorate in a truthful and respectful manner.

Civil society organizations play an invaluable role in promoting transparency, accountability, and media literacy. Their advocacy efforts are essential in curbing misinformation and disinformation. The public also has a crucial role to play by verifying information before sharing it and relying on reputable news sources.

The President’s address at the Ghana Report Summit was a clarion call to action. As Ghana approaches the 2024 General Elections, the fight against misinformation and disinformation is paramount. By working together, Ghana can ensure that its elections are a true reflection of the will of the people, preserving the nation’s reputation as a beacon of democracy and stability in Africa.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency, Republic of Ghana.

In a compelling address today at the Ghana Report Summit, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo shed light on the fabricated narratives that have been used to undermine his political career, focusing on the “Agyapadie” document, which first surfaced in the run-up to the 2020 elecrions.

The Summit, themed “Dealing with Misinformation and Disinformation – Election 2024,” highlighted the dangers of false information in the democratic process.

The Agyapadie document alleges a grand scheme by the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to annex state assets. According to President Akufo-Addo, this fabricated document has been circulated by opposition operatives as evidence of the NPP’s supposed plans.

“This baseless accusation is yet another example of the malicious tactics used to undermine my credibility and integrity,” the President stated.

President Akufo-Addo’s political career has been fraught with similar false accusations, dating back to the 2008 presidential election. During that campaign, baseless allegations of drug trafficking were spread to tarnish his image. Rumors about his health were also circulated to cast doubt on his ability to serve as President. In a particularly egregious lie, opponents accused then-President John Kufuor of selling all of Ghana’s gold reserves, a claim that was patently false.

The 2012 election cycle saw a continuation of these tactics, with false reports of Akufo-Addo’s alleged arrest in London for drug possession making headlines. Fabricated quotes designed to stir ethnic tensions were also disseminated, aiming to divide the electorate. In 2016, opponents stooped to a new low, alleging that Akufo-Addo had killed his late wife, a claim that was not only false but deeply offensive.

As the 2024 General Elections approach, the Agyapadie document is the latest in a series of lies aimed at discrediting President Akufo-Addo and his party. This fictitious narrative, like the ones before it, highlights the importance of discerning truth from falsehood and remaining vigilant against the dangers of misinformation and disinformation.

President Akufo-Addo emphasized that combating misinformation and disinformation requires a multi-faceted approach. Strengthening regulatory frameworks to hold individuals and organizations accountable for spreading false information is crucial. Collaborations with technology companies are essential to develop mechanisms for monitoring and curbing the spread of false information on digital platforms.

Public awareness campaigns are also vital. Educating citizens about the dangers of misinformation and disinformation and promoting media literacy can empower voters to make informed decisions. Supporting fact-checking organizations to verify information and debunk false claims is another important strategy.

In his address, President Akufo-Addo stressed the need for all political actors to commit to truthfulness and transparency in their campaigns. The spread of false information for political gain undermines the democratic process and erodes public trust. Political parties and candidates must engage in constructive dialogue, presenting their ideas and policies to the electorate in a truthful and respectful manner.

Civil society organizations play an invaluable role in promoting transparency, accountability, and media literacy. Their advocacy efforts are essential in curbing misinformation and disinformation. The public also has a crucial role to play by verifying information before sharing it and relying on reputable news sources.

The Agyapadie scandal serves as a stark reminder of the lengths to which some will go to undermine political opponents. As Ghana prepares for the 2024 General Elections, it is imperative to address these challenges head-on. By working together – government, media, civil society, and the public – Ghana can create an environment where truth prevails, and its democracy thrives.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency, Republic of Ghana.

On 1 August 2024, the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Belarus to the Republic of Kenya, Pavel Vziatkin, met with the Prime Cabinet Secretary – Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs of Kenya, Musalia Mudavadi.

The current state and plans for the development of Belarusian-Kenyan relations in bilateral and multilateral formats was discussed during the meeting. Both sides outlined activities for the immediate future.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Belarus.

The 1st African Union Pan African Conference on Girls and Women’s Education (AU/PANCOGEd1) has been officially opened. The opening ceremony was held at the African Union Commission (AUC) Premises on July 02, 2024. The event, held under the theme, “Prioritizing Girls and Women’s Education: A Strategy for increased access to inclusive, lifelong, quality, and relevant learning in Africa” will run till July 05. While opening the ceremony, the Deputy Chairperson of the AUC, H.E. Dr. Monique Nsanzabaganwa, highlighted the commitment of the African Union (AU) in promoting and empowering girls through quality education. “The AUC is strongly committed to advocating for the implementation by its Member States of the Agenda 2063, the Continental Education Strategy for Africa (CESA) 16-25, the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights on the Rights of Women in Africa (Maputo Protocol), the Sustainable Development Goals 4&5 and other related policies promoting girls and women’s education in the continent.

Moderated by ESTI’s Commissioner, H.E. Prof Mohammed Belhocine, the ceremony set the tone for the four-day deliberations on girls and women’s education in Africa.

With more than 600 in-person and close to 300 online participants in attendance, the AU/PANCOGEd1 is organised as part of activities under the AU Year of Education.

The State Minister for Education, Central African Republic and President of the Steering Committee for Education, Science and Technology, H.E. Aurelien-Simplice Kongbelet-Zingas, was keen to express his expectations about the conference. “I am convinced that the discussions and reflections we will have over the next few days will enable us to gain a better understanding of the complex challenges hindering girls and women’s education, and to develop effective strategies to overcome them.”

During his opening remarks, the Ambassador of Norway to the AU, H.E. Stian Christensen, stated “The theme of this conference is highly relevant in this regard. Girls’ education is important in all areas and at all levels. This is about empowering girls and women to be full-fledged members of society, to unlock Africa’s huge potential for economic development and life improvement for its citizens.”

Representing the advocacy for girls and women’s education at a global level, the Director of the UN Girls’ Education Initiative (UNGEI), Antara Ganguli, highlighted one of the most resistant challenges to girls’ education, social norms, and beliefs, “[…]people’s underlying beliefs about the role of girls and women in society had not changed, and that this hampered genuine support for girls’ educational achievements.”

The gathering is organised by the AUC Department of Education, Science, Technology, and Innovation through its technical and specialised office, the African Union International Center for Girls and Women’s Education in Africa (AU/CIEFFA) led by Simone Yankey. The event, which is the first of its kind, takes place in collaboration with UN Agencies, AU Organs and departments, development partners, organizations promoting girls and women’s education, and youth champions on girls’ education. Multi stakeholders are expected to intervene and bring their experience throughout the Conference.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Union (AU).