Accra: Officials of the Ghana News Agency (GNA) and a visiting delegation from The Gambia have underscored the growing importance of artificial intelligence (AI), fact-checking systems, and digital transformation in strengthening journalism and combating misinformation across Africa.
According to Ghana News Agency, the discussions formed part of a benchmarking visit by a delegation from The Gambia's Ministry of Information, Media and Broadcasting Services to the GNA in Accra. Mr. Kofi Owusu, the General Manager of GNA, emphasized that the rise of AI and the rapid spread of misinformation and disinformation have become complex challenges for media institutions across Africa. He noted that while Ghana's democratic environment has created a competitive media landscape, credibility and professionalism remain the foundation of GNA's relevance.
Mr. Owusu highlighted that GNA's constitutional insulation from direct government control has helped position it as a trusted source of verified information. He encouraged The Gambia to establish a clear institutional vision for its news agency as it seeks to modernize its operations.
Madam Cordu L. Jabang, Permanent Secretary at the Gambian Ministry, described The Gambia's recent launch of an AI-powered fact-checking system. This platform, housed under the Ministry of Information, allows citizens to submit various types of content for verification, helping ensure public discourse is grounded in truth.
Mrs. Beatrice Asamani Savage, GNA's Director of Editorial, explained that the Agency is transitioning into a multimedia news agency in response to changing audience behavior and technological shifts. Mr. Joseph Baffoe, Director of Administration, stressed the importance of staff training for journalists to adapt to the evolving media environment.
Mr. Felix Attukwei Quaye, Deputy Director of Engineering and IT at GNA, detailed the Agency's technological strategy, which focuses on improving newsroom workflows and prioritizing information technology security. Mr. Madiba Sillah, Deputy Permanent Secretary at The Gambia's Ministry of Information, expressed interest in understanding GNA's use of AI and modern technologies for potential application in The Gambia.
Both institutions agreed that African media organizations must collaborate to responsibly harness technology, strengthen fact-based journalism, and ensure Africans tell their own stories with credibility and independence.