The Information Services Department (ISD) of the Ministry of Information has introduced a new platform to address the rising pandemic of misinformation in Ghana.
The platform, a website named Ghana Today, is a trustworthy news portal that delivers up-to-date information on government initiatives, programmes, communications, and positions.
The platform was launched on Monday (March 13, 2023), at the ministry’s premises, in the presence of various government officials, stakeholders, and representatives of the media.
Addressing the ceremony, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, Minister of Information, noted that countering disinformation is an important challenge in today’s digital era that necessitates a diversified strategy.
He stated that one of these techniques is the development of technologies to monitor and track the spread of disinformation on social media platforms and other internet channels.
“As you may be aware, a significant section of our population now relies on online platforms and other social media platforms for information. It is also important to note that some unscrupulous persons have used many of these portals and social media platforms to propagate falsehood and misinformation. This phenomenon is gradually undermining our democracy.
“The rollout of this website will, therefore, said the Department in the fight against misinformation by providing direct information from Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) about the works of Government and becoming a repository of all happenings in government,” he said.
“It will provide facts about Government projects and programmes, full texts of all speeches by heads of MDAs, official communications and publications, policies, and program documents to reduce the level of misrepresentations and sometimes outright misinformation online,” he said.
He stated that the platform’s introduction is a vital component of the Department’s reorganisation and retooling project, which aims to equip it to serve more audiences with its work even as times and media consumption habits change.
Mr. David Owusu-Amoah, Acting Chief Information Officer of the ISD, advised Ghanaians to utilise the Ghana Today platform and to be cautious while consuming internet information. He believes it is critical that we all take responsibility for the information we consume and distribute, as well as be aware of the impact of incorrect information on our society and work together to oppose it.
“We all have a role to play in combating misinformation. We must all be responsible and verify the information before sharing it. With this new tool, we hope to empower Ghanaians to take an active role in the fight against fake news,” he added.
