2024 Elections: Ghana Fact-Checking Coalition formed to combat misinformation

In a united effort to curb the rising tide of misinformation and disinformation ahead of Ghana’s 2024 Presidential and Parliamentary elections, key fact-checking organisations and civil society groups have formed the Ghana Fact-Checking Coalition. Led by the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA), Dubawa, and FactSpace West Africa, the Coalition includes a network of organisations dedicated to ensuring information accuracy and promoting electoral integrity.

As misinformation and disinformation pose an increasing threat to global stability, with the 2024 Global Risk Report identifying it as a critical risk capable of destabilising governments and undermining democratic processes, the Coalition’s efforts are especially timely.

The group aims to prevent the spread of false and divisive narratives that could undermine peaceful and credible electoral outcomes in Ghana.

“The spread of misinformation and disinformation, particularly during elections, could disrupt both the genuine and perceived legitimacy of newly elected governments,” noted the Coalition in a statement, “leading to potential political turmoil, violence, and a gradual erosion of democratic processes.”

This concern is heightened in Ghana, where, according to the Coalition, false and polarising narratives have already emerged surrounding the election.

The Coalition is also supported by prominent civil society organisations, including Africa Check, CDD-Ghana, Penplusbyte, the West Africa Network for Peacebuilding (WANEP), and the Digital Africa Research Lab. By pooling resources, expertise, and credibility, the Coalition aims to provide well-researched, timely fact-checking reports to counteract misinformation throughout the election period.

To respond to false information as it arises, the Coalition will operate media situation rooms in Accra and Tamale from December 4 to 11, 2024. These hubs will focus on identifying and debunking harmful election-related narratives that emerge on both online and offline platforms nationwide. The Coalition is partnering with around 50 journalists and more than 100 media houses across the country, who will serve as local partners, republishing verified information and assisting in fact-checking at the regional level in over 45 Ghanaian languages.

“We are excited to kick off this coalition after many months of discussions,” said Kwaku Krobea Asante, Lead Fact-Checker and Senior Programme Officer at MFWA. “This is the best time for us to come together and collaborate to push back against mis/disinformation and polarising narratives that portend danger for Ghana’s democracy. We are hoping our collective work can contribute to a peaceful and credible election.”

Rabiu Alhassan, Director of FactSpace West Africa, emphasized the importance of a united approach, stating, “Creating a united front among fact-checkers, the media, and civil society groups like this is one of the best ways to counter the threats from disinformation purveyors and people with malign interests who want to use information to disrupt the credibility of Ghana’s election and democracy. We are happy this has come off.”

For her part, Roselena Ahiable, Programme Manager of Dubawa, expressed optimism about the coalition’s potential impact. “Having participated in and witnessed such coalitions across West Africa, we are very delighted that we have been able to come together for this coalition. We are looking forward to making a positive impact on the elections.”

Click here to view the full statement from the Ghana Fact-Checking Coalition