Misinformation fueled doubt, fear, and suspicion in election 2024 — EC

Benjamin Bano-Bioh, the Director of Electoral Services at the Electoral Commission (EC) of Ghana, has called for valuable lessons to be learned from the shortcomings of the 2024 general elections.

The EC official noted that the 2024 election presented new and evolving challenges, particularly in the digital information space.

He specifically cited the amplification of misinformation and disinformation through social media, which, he said, created an environment of doubt, fear, and suspicion among the electorate.

“As a nation, we must draw valuable lessons from the events of the 2024 elections. Misinformation and disinformation were key factors in fueling tensions before, during, and after the elections,” he stated.

“The 2024 election presented new and evolving challenges, particularly in the digital information space. Disinformation and misinformation, amplified through social media, created an environment of doubt, fear, and suspicion among the electorate,” he added.

Mr. Bano-Bioh made these remarks at the launch of a study report titled “The State of Mis/Disinformation, Polarisation, and State Threats to Ghana” in Accra on Wednesday, March 26.

The study forms part of activities under the project “The Role of Political Parties and Other Stakeholders in Countering Information Disorder and Propaganda Narratives in the 2024 Elections in Ghana,” funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office.

He further emphasized that the Electoral Commission of Ghana remains committed to the principles of transparency, fairness, inclusiveness, and credibility in the country’s electoral processes.