The Minister for Communications and Digital Technology, Samuel Nartey George, has announced that the government will soon introduce a specialised piece of legislation aimed at combating misinformation and disinformation in Ghana.
Speaking at a press briefing on Wednesday, April 9, the Minister revealed that the draft bill will be presented to Parliament during its next sitting, where it is expected to be reviewed and passed into law.
“I will present a specialised legislation document on misinformation and disinformation before Parliament to be passed into law in its next meeting to create a clear legal framework for law enforcement,” he stated.
Mr. George, who is also the Member of Parliament for Ningo-Prampram, issued a stern warning to individuals and groups who deliberately spread false information, stressing that no one will be spared under the new law.
“Notice is served. Once the law is passed, we will clamp down on you if you are engaged in misinformation and disinformation,” he cautioned.
He emphasized the need for a collaborative, civic-minded approach in addressing the growing threat, saying, “We have a collective civic duty to be mindful in our communication.”
The Minister described the move as part of a broader effort to uphold transparency, national cohesion, and public trust in an era marked by growing digital influence and low media literacy.
Across Africa and globally, misinformation and disinformation—often fueled by political interests, social media, emerging AI tools, and limited regulatory oversight—pose significant challenges to political stability and social unity.
In Ghana, civil society organisations like the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) have been at the forefront of combating the menace. Through media literacy training and advocacy campaigns, particularly during election years, MFWA and others have sought to mitigate the impact of false narratives and promote responsible journalism.
The impending legislation is expected to complement these efforts with legal backing, enabling law enforcement to act decisively against harmful information campaigns.
Source – Communication Ministry
