The European Union (EU), in collaboration with the Embassies of the Netherlands and France, has launched an ambitious campaign aimed at countering disinformation and promoting media literacy.
The initiative, titled “Check the Facts; Don’t Get It Twisted,” seeks to empower young voters with the critical tools to distinguish between credible information and misinformation during the election period.
The campaign is part of the EU’s broader commitment to ensuring that Ghana’s elections remain transparent, inclusive, and peaceful.
By focusing on media literacy, the initiative seeks to engage young voters in critical thinking and fact-based discussions, helping them navigate the complex media landscape in the lead-up to the polls.
To maximize its reach, the campaign taps into the influence of popular Ghanaian celebrities such as Dr Likee, Kwame Eugene, Akrobeto, Fancy Gadam, Camidoh, Ama Burland, Gisela, Kojo Jnr, and Wiyaala.
These public figures will play a crucial role in amplifying the campaign’s message, encouraging young people to question misinformation and actively engage in fact-checking.
The “Check the Facts” initiative will feature a range of engaging content, including skits, jingles, and podcasts that blend humor with important lessons on media literacy.
The content will be presented in multiple languages, including English, Ga, Twi, Ewe, Sissala, Hausa, and Dagbani, ensuring that it resonates with diverse audiences across Ghana.
These efforts will continue throughout the election period and beyond, focusing on equipping Ghanaians with the skills needed to identify and reject disinformation.
The goal is to foster a more informed electorate and strengthen the resilience of the Ghanaian public against the harmful effects of fake news.
EU Ambassador to Ghana, Irchad Razaaly, expressed confidence in the campaign’s potential impact, noting that it promotes responsible reporting and the sharing of fact-based information.
“We are committed to supporting Ghana’s democratic development and look forward to a successful collaboration with Ghanaian celebrities and civil society organizations,” he said.
French Ambassador to Ghana, Jules Armand Aniambossou, also emphasized the importance of reliable information, saying, “France is committed, along with its European partners, to supporting transparent and inclusive elections.
Strengthening access to reliable information in all of Ghana’s most popular languages is crucial to counteract the damaging effects of misinformation.”
The Netherlands Embassy echoed this sentiment, highlighting the campaign’s role in educating young voters.
“To trust the process, it is important to be well-informed and know how to fact-check the information out there,” a representative said.
“When young citizens are empowered to seek factual information, they become ambassadors against misinformation and play an active role in Ghanaian democracy.”
Ultimately, the “Check the Facts; Don’t Get It Twisted” campaign aims to protect Ghanaian voters from the dangers of misinformation, ensuring that the country’s elections remain credible and that citizens are equipped to make informed decisions.
As disinformation continues to pose a global risk, this initiative stands as a vital step in safeguarding Ghana’s democratic process.
