Ghana Coalition Launches To Fight Election Misinformation

 By Shine Esi Kwawukumey 


A group photo of the leaders of the Ghana Fact-checking Coalition


As Ghana gears up for its 2024 Presidential and Parliamentary elections, the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA), Dubawa, FactSpace West Africa, and several civil society organizations have joined forces to form the Ghana Fact-Checking Coalition. 


The initiative, aimed at combating misinformation and disinformation, seeks to safeguard the country’s peace, stability, and democratic integrity during the election period.


The Coalition's formation comes amid rising concerns over the spread of false and polarizing narratives surrounding the elections, a phenomenon identified as a critical global risk in the 2024 Global Risk Report. 


The report warns that unchecked misinformation could undermine the legitimacy of elected governments, sparking political unrest and eroding democratic processes.


Collaborative Approach to Fact-Checking

The Ghana Fact-Checking Coalition includes three leading fact-checking organizations: Fact-Check Ghana (MFWA), Dubawa Ghana (Centre for Journalism, Innovation and Development), and Ghana Fact (FactSpace West Africa) all signatories to the International Fact-Checking Network. 


The Coalition is also supported by prominent civil society organizations such as Africa Check, CDD-Ghana, Penplusbyte, WANEP, and Digital Africa Research Lab.


From December 4 to 11, the Coalition will operate Media Situation Rooms in Accra and Tamale. 


These centers will focus on identifying and debunking false information related to the elections, whether online or offline. 


The initiative will work closely with 50 journalists and over 100 media houses, disseminating fact-checked reports in approximately 45 Ghanaian languages to ensure nationwide reach.


Leaders Express Optimism

Kwaku Krobea Asante, Lead Fact-checker at MFWA, highlighted the significance of the coalition. 


“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, echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing the importance of a united front to counter disinformation. 


“We are happy this has come off,” he said, noting the coalition’s potential to protect the credibility of Ghana’s elections.


Roselena Ahiable, Programme Manager of Dubawa, underscored the coalition’s regional significance, stating, “Having participated and witnessed such coalitions across West Africa, we are very delighted that we have been able to come together for this coalition and we are looking forward to making a positive impact on the elections.”


Support from International Partners

The Coalition is funded by the US Embassy in Ghana and the Google News Initiative. 


It also benefits from technological support, with UK-based Full Fact providing access to its AI platform to enhance the Coalition’s ability to monitor and counter misinformation.


As the December elections approach, the Ghana Fact-Checking Coalition’s collaborative and resource-driven approach aims to ensure voters have access to accurate information, thereby fostering a peaceful and credible electoral process.

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