EC warns of misinformation threat to December 7 polls, calls for public vigilance

The Electoral Commission (EC) has expressed serious concerns about the potential impact of fake news and disinformation on the upcoming December 7 polls.

Speaking in a media interview on Tuesday, 12 November 2024, Dr. Serebour Quaicoo, Director of Training at the EC, highlighted the growing threat of misinformation.

“Misinformation poses a real threat to Election 2024,” he warned, noting the risks of unverified reports spreading rapidly on social and traditional media. “Both the traditional and social media at times are in a hurry to put forward information without checking authenticity,” Dr. Quaicoo explained, noting that deceptive videos unrelated to Ghana’s election could emerge to mislead the public.

In response to these risks, the EC has intensified efforts to bolster its communication channels, aiming to swiftly deliver verified and accurate election-related updates.

Dr. Quaicoo urged voters to rely on trusted sources for election information and to remain cautious about sharing unverified content.

“We’re taking steps to ensure that accurate information reaches the public swiftly,” he assured, emphasising the importance of collaboration among the EC, media outlets, and the public to safeguard the election’s integrity.

The EC’s call to action stresses the shared responsibility of all stakeholders to prevent the spread of misinformation.

“A coordinated effort between the EC, the media, and the public is essential to preserving a peaceful and credible election,” Dr. Quaicoo stated.

The EC urged citizens to verify information before sharing and to report suspicious content.