NMC welcomes launch of Ghana Fact-Checking Coalition ahead of elections

The National Media Commission (NMC) has welcomed the formation of the Ghana Fact-Checking Coalition, an initiative aimed at combating misinformation and disinformation in the lead-up to the 2024 elections. 

The coalition, launched on Friday, 8 November 2024, is a collaborative effort by civil society organisations including the Media Foundation for West Africa, Dubawa, and FactSpace West Africa.

In a statement issued by NMC Executive Secretary George Sarpong, the Commission commended the coalition as a "ground-breaking" and "crucial intervention" in safeguarding Ghana’s information landscape during a critical electoral period. 

The statement noted that the influx of disinformation, from both domestic and foreign sources, has raised concerns about the stability and integrity of the nation’s democratic process.

"By leveraging their collective experience, expertise, credibility, and resources, the coalition has enhanced Ghana’s capacity to address these threats," the statement read. It further emphasised that the coalition's mission is to counter misinformation and Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference (FIMI) to promote peace and democratic consolidation.

The NMC has pledged its support to the coalition’s efforts and announced plans to provide access to the Ghana Media Watch App, a high-tech tool designed for monitoring disinformation. 

The app is set to launch on Thursday, 14 November 2024, and is expected to serve as a resource for the coalition’s work in mitigating the spread of false information.

As the 2024 elections approach, the NMC has encouraged all stakeholders working toward peaceful elections to engage with the Ghana Fact-Checking Coalition to bolster national efforts in preserving the integrity of information shared in Ghana.