Ahead of Ghana’s election in 2024, media professionals have been warned against spreading false and misleading information.
One of the biggest dangers to international security and development today is misinformation.
According to Kwaku Krobea Asante, the director of programs at Fact Check Ghana, many nations on the African continent are more in danger because of the poor level of digital literacy.
The Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) is dedicated to enhancing journalists’ abilities to prevent the emergence of incorrect information in news reporting.
“We consume information across every field and area. For instance, in the upcoming elections, if misinformation and disinformation are allowed to fester, the credibility of the election’s outcome can be low. This can lead to a lot of chaos and mayhem,” he warned.
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A two-day intensive course on fact-checking tools and methodologies was attended by fifteen journalists chosen from various media outlets across the nation.
The workshop is a component of the Media Foundation for West Africa’s initiatives to disseminate information about media best practices.
The journalists were guided through the steps of fact-checking, including detecting claims, verifying information, presenting facts, utilizing a variety of sources, and compiling fact-check reports.
Stephen Tindi, a lecturer at the Ghana College of Journalism, pleaded with the media to watch out for false information as Ghana’s Election 2024 approaches.
“Although there is the pressure to be the first to break the news, it is important to always prioritize accuracy over speed. When you break the news and it turns out to be false information, you will be discredited. Your organization’s reputation also stands to be damaged,” he advised.
SOURCE: Myjoyonline
