Beware of use disinformation ahead of election 2024
By Selorm GBORBIDZI, Accra
A Misinformation and Disinformation Officer at Dubawa Ghana, Caroline Anipah, has cautioned against the dangers of disinformation, particularly as the December 2024 elections approach.
Emphasizing the prevalence of disinformation during election seasons, Anipah highlighted that this year would likely be no exception.
During an interview on Zed 101.9 FM yesterday, Anipah pointed out the deliberate manipulation of videos and audio recordings to misinform the public during the 2020 elections.
She hinted at the likelihood of similar tactics being employed in the upcoming elections.
She said, “In the first week of December 2020, a few days to the elections, there was a viral video, which accused the president of accepting some bribes while he was still president. Dubawa carried out an open source investigation on that video and found that that video had been doctored.”
“So during election seasons, we see a lot of disinformation, and it’s going to be repeated this year as well. It’s already started. You just need to pay attention, and it’s happening because of the gains that the disinformation actors will make from it,” she explained.
Anipah urged media outlets to exercise caution and verify information obtained online before publishing to avoid falling victim to online disinformation campaigns.
Her advice comes in response to recent false reports about Black Stars’ Defender, Daniel Amartey, allegedly unfollowing the official @blackstarsofghana_ account due to dissatisfaction with his playing time at the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations.
“I wonder if your platform shared or reported that news, that Daniel Amartey had unfollowed the Black Stars. If you did, if you’d just reported it like that, you would have done a great disservice to your listeners. So you just check. You’d see if he’s unfollowed the Black Stars or not.”
