THE MEDIA FOUNDATION OF WEST AFRICA CONFESSES ABOUT THE GROWING IMPORTANCE OF DISINFORMATION RISK.

-


     MFWA Conference at Alisa Hotel North Ridge


The Media Foundation For West Africa hosted a nationwide conference with the theme: Misinformation, Peace, and Democratic Consolidation in Ghana at the Alisa hotel in Accra on March 22, 2023. The National Peace Council and the National Media Commission, Ghana's media watchdog , collaborated to plan the conference. The sessions were a part of the efforts to halt the spread of false information, especially as the country gets closer to the general elections in 2024.


The paramount chief of Asokore in the Ashanti region, Professor Samuel Kwadwo Boateng Asante, a Ghanaian lawyer, welcomed participants to the forum. 


Professor. Samuel Kwadwo Boateng Asante, The Paramount Chief Of Asokore in the Ashanti Region


The former international arbitration claims that the effects of misinformation calls for an urgent action. The country's constitution, according to Professor. Samuel Kwadwo Boateng Asante, who previously served on the international court of  arbitration of the international chamber of commerce, upholds the right to legitimately restrict some basic human rights for the benefit of people in general. The revered king stated that the nation must not tamper with its "young" democracy in its fights against misinformation.
He asserted that "it is known from the political experience of some countries that negative political campaigns hurt and that misinformation or disinformation can have a negative impact," adding in the concluding section that "the challenge before us is how to address the deleterious effects of misinformation without stiffening our young democracy."


The executive secretary of the National Media Commission, Mr. George Sarpong, presented a compelling argument in his keynote speech in favor of using constitutionally mandated regulatory measures to fight false and misleading information.

Mr. George Sarpong, the executive secretary of The National Media Commission 

"Media information literacy and fact checking can help address misleading, but they have limitations, it can only be done after the harm has already, been done," he stated. He argues that this is true because fact checkers frequently fail to verify some statements, leading people to assume that they are always true even though they are not always.
The event's attendees were encouraged to think about the phenomenon of false information and deception and how it affects Ghana's democratic consolidation, peace, and stability.


Manasseh Azure, a prominent Ghanaian investigate journalist who was present at the conference expressed his thoughts about misinformation and disinformation in Ghana.




Story by: Naa Norley Nortey, Samuel Kyei Ofosu-Appiah, Sally Borketey-La and Christabel Adama

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

BEYOND THE COCONUT FRUIT: TRANSFORMING WASTE INTO ENERGY

-
Image
W aste generated from coconut is being transformed into fuel , providing a sustainable solution t hat addresses environmental problems.  Coconut briquettes are dried in a greenhouse after production This cutting-edge approach not only reduces waste but also provides an alternative to traditional fuel sources and promot es cleaner energy consumption. In Ghana, the vibrant sight of coconut vendors on nearly every street corner is a common and refreshing experience. Coconut water, cherished for its hydrating properties, is a go-to drink for many Ghanaians, especially on hot, sunny days. A patron enjoying coconut at a coconut vending point in Accra Central However, despite its popularity as a fruit, coconut vendors often face challenges in disposing of heaps of shells collected at the end of each day.  A 2022 study conducted by the Coconut Waste Project found that vendors buy 64 tonnes of coconuts daily, creating 34 tonnes of waste.  The indiscriminate disposal o...
Read more

AI IN THE CLASSROOM

-
Image
Digitalization has reshaped the way we interact with technology, revolutionizing various aspects of our lives. The evolution of digitalization has paved the way for innovative tools such as artificial intelligence assistants, commonly known as AI, which have become increasingly popular in various fields, and classrooms are no exception.  AI has impacted learning in the classroom IMAGE SOURCE:Undetectable AI(google) These intelligent writing tools, powered by natural language processing, are transforming how students learn. Snapchat AI is now an easy access for students  They can analyze your text, suggest improvements, correct errors and enhance readability. These tools are within reach for almost everyone in higher education, including students here at UniMAC. Chat GPT 3.5 generating content The UniMAC headquarters is located at the South Dzowulu campus of the University Some students of UniMAC express how these writing tools have impacted their lives. Mercy relies on Chat GP...
Read more

THE 'INDOMIE' ECONOMY: A CLOSER LOOK AT ACCRA'S THRIVING STREET FOOD SCENE

-
Image
An Indomie joint opened for business in the morning at Osu The preparation and sale of noodles and spaghetti, commonly referred to as "Indomie", have been on the rise in Accra and across Ghana, serving as a major source of employment to many people, especially the youth. A plate of noodles with vegetables, chicken franks, and gizzard A plate of spaghetti with vegetables and egg Indomie is a popular instant noodle produced by Indofood, a leading Indonesian food company. The brand's name is proof of its Asian roots, blending 'indo' - a tribute to Indonesia - with 'mie', an archaic spelling of the Indonesian word for 'noodles', celebrating the dish's cultural significance.  In Asia and other places, noodle dishes are eaten with a fork or chopsticks and a soup spoon. Indomie is sold in supermarkets in Accra Indomie was introduced to the Ghanaian market in 2006, with its main target being children. After its introduction to Ghana, breakfast stalls a...
Read more