EC Urged to Ensure Timely Release of Information to Combat Misinformation.

Accra: Mr. Gbenga Sesan, Executive Director of Paradigm Initiative, a Pan-African organization, has called on the Electoral Commission (EC) to provide prompt information to the public before, during, and after the December 7 election. He emphasized that this approach would help reduce the spread of misinformation and disinformation during the polls and foster public trust in the electoral process. Mr. Sesan made these remarks at a news conference held in Accra. According to Ghana News Agency, the news conference was organized to share the outcomes of a multi-stakeholder engagement led by Paradigm Initiative. This initiative aimed to ensure that digital rights are respected throughout the electoral process. The engagement was conducted in collaboration with Community Focus Foundation Ghana (CFF-Ghana), the E-Governance and Internet Governance Foundation for Africa (EGIGFA), and the Internet Society Ghana Chapter (ISOC Ghana). Attendees included representatives from various political parties such as the New Pa triotic Party, the National Democratic Congress, and the People's National Convention, along with government officials, academics, civil society organizations, and tech organizations. Mr. Sesan voiced opposition to calls for regulating the internet, particularly social media, during election periods as a means to manage information disorder. Last October, the Electoral Commission had proposed a framework to regulate social media use during elections, with the aim of reducing misinformation and disinformation. However, Mr. Sesan argued that such regulation could be dangerous, potentially leading to increased speculation and uncertainty in the electoral process. He further explained, "What we have learned over the last few years is that the electoral commissions are guilty for the reason fake news spreads. It is because they do not release information on time. When you want fake news to die, release real news in advance, when the process is going on, carry citizens along." Mr. Sesan highlighted the importance of filling information gaps to prevent assumptions and guesses that lead to misinformation. Mr. Sesan also encouraged the Commission to cultivate strong working relationships with political parties and other stakeholders, ensuring timely information sharing to promote trust in the electoral process. Moreover, he cautioned the government against media control, recommending instead the creation of standards for responsible reportage. Mr. Francis Acquah Amaning, President of the Internet Society, urged the National Communications Authority to maintain a strong internet presence during and after the polls to facilitate the timely delivery of information. He appealed to Ghanaians to respect the rights of fellow citizens online and to refrain from spreading false information, which could compromise the integrity of the electoral process. Furthermore, Mr. Amaning called on the media to adhere to professional ethics and exercise caution in their reporting to protect the country's democracy, peace, and security. A communiqué released at the conclusion of the multi-stakeholder engagement stressed the importance of safeguarding citizens' digital rights as the country approaches the elections, highlighting the role of transparency in maintaining electoral credibility. Ms. Khadijah El-Usman, Regional Lead for Anglophone Africa at Paradigm Initiative, who read the communiqué, identified misinformation, disinformation, hate speech, and internet restrictions as significant threats to public trust and the electoral process. The communiqué underscored the need to empower citizens regarding electoral processes and their digital rights, recommending a structured code of conduct for media operations during election periods to promote responsible journalism.