Pres Mahama urges global action to safeguard information from AI manipulation
By Praisebell Rosemond Larbi
President John Dramani Mahama has issued a warning about the growing threat that Artificial Intelligence (AI) poses to global information integrity, urging world leaders to act swiftly to prevent the misuse of the technology from undermining democracy and public trust.
Speaking at the International Conference on Information Integrity in Paris, the President cautioned that while AI offers immense opportunities for innovation, its unregulated use could deepen the spread of misinformation and amplify bias in the digital space.
“AI-driven manipulation and algorithmic bias are increasingly distorting public perception and eroding trust in credible sources of information. If we fail to act responsibly, the same technologies that promise progress could become tools for destabilisation and deceit,” President Mahama stated.
He observed that the rapid advancement of AI has already transformed how people consume information, with deepfakes, automated propaganda and false narratives circulating faster than fact-based reporting. These trends, he warned, risk weakening democratic institutions and public confidence in governance systems.
President Mahama stressed that the misuse of AI technologies presents not only a technological challenge but also a profound ethical dilemma that threatens social cohesion and global stability. “The integrity of information must be safeguarded with the same seriousness as national security and economic development. Without truth and trust, democracy cannot thrive,” he asserted.
He therefore called on governments, tech companies and international organisations to adopt stronger safeguards and ethical standards in the design, deployment and regulation of AI tools. He also urged global leaders to promote transparency in algorithmic systems and ensure that AI serves the public interest rather than narrow political or commercial agendas.
Emphasising the role of international cooperation, President Mahama advocated for a coordinated global framework to counter misinformation and disinformation across digital platforms. “No nation can tackle this menace alone. We need a united effort to preserve the credibility of information and strengthen public resilience against manipulation,” he said.
In a symbolic move to demonstrate Ghana’s commitment to media freedom and digital responsibility, President Mahama announced that Ghana will become the first African country to make a financial contribution to the International Fund for Public Interest Media.
He described the gesture as a reflection of Ghana’s conviction that independent journalism and reliable information are indispensable public goods. “Supporting credible journalism is not charity, it is an investment in democracy and informed citizenship,” he declared.
President Mahama concluded by calling on all nations to embrace ethical innovation and prioritise truth in the digital age, warning that the survival of democracy depends on the integrity of the information that sustains it.
