Prioristise fact-checking as weapon against disinformation – Prof. Opoku-Agyemang

Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, the Running Mate of the National Democratic Congress, has urged Public Relations (PR) professionals to navigate the media landscape with vigilance, emphasizing the crucial role of fact-checking in an era of information overload.

Addressing PR experts during the national Public Relations and Communications Summit in Kwahu, she urged them to be extra vigilant in their work and prioritize the verification of information to counteract misinformation and disinformation.

She further highlighted the importance of adopting responsible communication practices in the current explosive media environment.

Prof. Opoku-Agyemang stressed that with the abundance of information, it was more critical than ever for PR professionals to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the content they disseminate.

She said as the public continued to grapple with the challenges posed by misinformation and information overload, the call to action served as a reminder of the vital role PR professionals played in maintaining the integrity of information sharing.

By prioritizing fact-checking and vigilance in their work, PR professionals would help combat the spread of false information and contribute to a more informed society. “Providing accurate information can be challenging in a politicized environment, but I encourage you to strive for the truth and integrity in your practice,” she added.

Mr. Mawuko Afadzinu, the immediate past president of IPR, said the summit was a platform for participants to network and learn new innovative practices while the AGM took stock of last year’s activities and reflected on and determined plans for 2024 on issues pertinent to the profession and the institute.

He said IPR Ghana existed to provide a professional structure for the practice of public relations and enhance the ability and status of its members as professional practitioners.

He stated with the emergence of new technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), they were presented with a lot of efficiency and allowed them to do so much with so little.

“AI is referred to as the development of computer systems that can perform tasks that typically require human intelligence, such as learning, problem-solving, and decision-making,” he said.

Mr. Afadzinu, however, said, “Creativity remains the domain of humans, and that is where our expertise and professionalism come into play so if you are able to blend your abilities as a professional in the practices of public relations and communications with the vast processing powers of AI, it helps you to elevate yourself to the right level of practice.”

It also helped to deal with issues of misinformation, disinformation, and information overload because AI was able to track sentiment, he added.

The Institute of Public Relations (IPR) Ghana organized the national summit alongside its Annual General Meeting, drawing public relations and communication practitioners, and academics from both public and private sectors.

The event aimed to address pressing concerns in public relations, particularly in an era marked by widespread misinformation, disinformation, and information overload.

The three-day event, on the theme: “PR Experience in the Age of Misinformation, Disinformation, and Information Overload,” brought together industry experts, professionals, and stakeholders to discuss and share insights on navigating the complex landscape of modern communication.

The summit provided a platform for participants to network and learn innovative practices, while the Annual General Meeting reviewed the previous year’s activities, reflected on them, and planned for 2024.

Ms. Esther Cobbah was elected as the President of IPR, Mr. Donald Dwira as Vice President, Mr. Solace Akomeah as Honorary Secretary, Mr. Abraham Otabil as Deputy Honorary Secretary, and Mr. Gabriel Nii Otu Ankrah as Treasurer.

Representatives were notable institutions such as the Minerals Commission, Ghana Standards Authority, Information Service Department, University of Media, Arts, and Communication, and Electricity Company of Ghana, among the rest.