Mis/disinformation is a threat to the stability of the country and the world — NCCE

The National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) has raised alarm over the growing threat of misinformation and disinformation to national and global stability.

Speaking at the launch of a study report in Accra on Wednesday, March 26, NCCE Chairperson Kathleen Addy emphasized the dangers posed by information disorder, especially in the digital age.

The report, titled “The State of Mis/Disinformation, Polarisation, and State Threats to Ghana”, was produced under a project funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office.

She noted that while misinformation has existed throughout history, the rise of digital media has amplified its reach and impact.

“The human mind is fertile and able to create imaginable stories. Although misinformation has been with us for a long time, it is different today, fueled by digital media,” she said.

According to NCCE head, the spread of false information is not a new phenomenon, but recent election cycles have demonstrated its escalating dangers.

“2016 was an eye-opener, 2020 saw an escalation, and 2024 set the tone for real mood activation of fake news dissemination,” she observed.

While fact-checking efforts by civil society organizations and the media are commendable, she questioned whether they are enough to counter the problem.

“We appreciate fact-checking done by the Media Foundation for West Africa and other organizations, but it hardly goes that far when the fake news has gone viral,” she noted.

“Media literacy campaigns are even more important in this case because if people understand the information they consume, it makes the fact-checkers’ work easier,” she stated.