Albert Kan-Dapaah, the National Security Minister, has voiced deep worry about the growing number of persons in academia, civil society organisations (CSOs), and the media who use their platforms to spread false narratives in support of coups and military dictatorship.
Kan-Dapaah stated at a conference on the Impact of Disinformation on Electoral Integrity, Peace, and Security in Africa that these individuals have large social media followings that they are using to spread misinformation that threatens Ghana’s peace and stability.
“In Ghana, a more disconcerting trend is also emerging,” Kan-Dapaah said, adding, “Notably following the coup in Niger, certain individuals in academia, civil society and the media, from what I have observed have been propagating false narratives in support of a coup or military rule.”
He added that “these actors have gained substantial followings on social media leveraging the influence to disseminate misinformation that threatens our nation’s peace and also stability, especially as we approach the critical December 2024 general election and this is a matter of serious concern.”
Kan-Dapaah emphasised that disinformation from these individuals, whether deliberate or unintentional, posed a huge danger to Ghana’s stability.
“Misinformation, whether intentional or inadvertent, from these individuals because they are influential poses a significant threat to Ghana’s stability,” he said.
The National Security Minister urged Ghanaians to be watchful and resist any attempt to foment dissension and division in the country.
