December 2023, Accra: FactSpace West Africa joined the collective effort to combat misinformation and disinformation in Ghana as it contributed to validating the National Action Plan on Misinformation and Disinformation (NAP-MIS/DISINFO). The Ministry of Information extended an invitation to FactSpace WA, recognising our commitment in the field of combatting mis and disinformation.
On December 20, 2023, key stakeholders and partners, gathered to contribute to the validation of the NAP-MIS/DISINFO, which is spearheaded by the Ministry of Information.
The overarching goal of the action plan is to safeguard the integrity of information, promote media literacy, and nurture a culture of responsible digital citizenship. The plan seeks to identify specific activities and programs, as well as key partners and stakeholders who will play crucial roles in its implementation.
During the validation workshop, the Executive Director of FactSpace WA, Rabiu Alhassan, made significant contributions to enhance the document’s robustness. One notable addition was the inclusion of fact-checking platforms such as GhanaFact in the array of activities to be implemented. The Executive Director emphasised the importance of involving organisations like GhanaFact, Fact-Check Ghana, and Dubawa Ghana to address misinformation and disinformation effectively.
By incorporating the efforts of established fact-checking platforms, the action plan aims to deliver a well-thought-out educational framework.
The validation workshop witnessed the presence of key figures, including the Minister for Information, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, and his deputy, Fatimatu Abubakar. Both officials underscored the importance of the National Action Plan, highlighting its potential to fortify the nation against the negative impacts of false information.
FactSpace WA’s active participation in the validation process reflects its commitment to addressing misinformation and disinformation in Ghana. The collaborative efforts of various stakeholders, including fact-checking platforms, signal a concerted approach to promoting information integrity and digital literacy in the country.
The National Action Plan on Misinformation and Disinformation stands as a testament to Ghana’s dedication to fostering responsible digital citizenship and countering the challenges posed by false information in the modern information landscape. Implementation of the NAP is slated for the period ranging between 2024 to 2027, with stakeholders calling for effective monitoring and implementation as well as evaluation of set timelines.
