STATEMENT ON IMPACT OF DISINFORMATION ON ELECTORAL INTEGRITY, PEACE & SECURITY IN AFRICA
Source: ministry_of_communications_ghana

Restricted 1 DRAFT STATEMENT BY THE MINISTER FOR COMMUNICATIONS AND DIGITALISATION, HON. MRS. URSULA OWUSU -EKUFUL, AT THE INTERNATIONAL INSTITUTE FOR DEMOCRACY AND ELECTORAL ASSISTANCE (IDEA) SEMINAR ON “IMPACT OF DISINFORMATION ON ELECTORAL INTEGRITY, PEACE & SECURITY IN AFRICA” ON OCTOBER 19, 2023 AT THE ACCRA INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE CENTRE. Honourable Ministers, Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen, All protocols observed. I am truly hono ured to stand before you today as we gather here, a proud member of the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (IDEA), and co -vice chair of its council of member states. As we embark on this year's seminar, with the theme of "Impact of Disinformation on Electoral Integrity, Peace, and Security in Africa," it is crucial that we recognise and address the challenges that disinformation poses to our democratic processes. We all agree that disinformation, the deliberate creation of false content to cause harm, has become a canker in today’s digital age. For Ghana, the risks and effects of disinformation has become of great concern as we journey into the 2024 presidential and parliamentary elections. Ladies and gentlemen, disinformation is not an African problem, but rather a global one with rippling and devastating effects. In our interconnected world, false information can easily cross borders and influence the economic, social, and political wellbeing of nations. Its potential to strain international relations mak es it imperative for African nations to collectively address this challenge. We are a continent with unique challenges and as a result, we cannot afford to gloss over this debilitating ailment. Restricted 2 In recent times, the world has witnessed an alarming rise in the spread of disinformation, particularly within the context of elections. Africa, like many other regions, has not been spared from its impact. Disinformation threatens the very foundation of our democracies, sowing doubt, amplifying division, and eroding trust in our electoral systems. It has the potential to undermine not only the integrity of our elections but also our peace and security. When divisive falsehoods are spread, it polarises our societies, pitting one group against another. According to reports and analysis conducted by the Cyber Security Authority (CSA), disinformation campaigns are becoming more sophisticated, leveraging the power of digital platforms and social media. Malicious actors, individuals, and nations exploit the speed and reach of these tools to disseminate false information, manipulate public opinion, and influence electoral outcomes through social media manipulation, phishing and hacking attacks, deepfakes, data breeches and leaks, algorithm exploitation as well as cyberattacks on election systems . As a country at the forefront of embracing digital transformation, it is imperative for Ghana to spearhead efforts in combating this menace. To safeguard our electoral processes and ensure the integrity of our democracy, we must adopt a multi -faceted approach. Education and awareness are key. We must invest in public education campaigns that promote media literacy and critical thinking. By empowering citizens with the skills to discern fact s from fiction, we can mitigate the impact of disinformation. In this regard , the M inistry of Information of Ghana has launched a campaign on misinformation and disinformation . This is a step in the right direction. Collaboration between government, civil society organi sations, and the private sector is essential to tackle this complex issue. We must reinforce partnerships that facilitate the exchange of information and best practices, ensuring a coordinated response to disinformation. By leveraging our collective expertise, we can develop comprehensive and tailored strategies to counter disinformation campaigns. Restricted 3 Technological advancements play a pivotal role in both the proliferation and prevention of disinformation. As the Minister for Communications and Digitalisation, I acknowledge the responsibility of leveraging technology for the betterment of our society. We must adopt innovative tools and technologies to monitor and track disinformation, swiftly identify its sources, and respond effectively. Artificial intelligence and machine learning can be utilised to detect and flag suspicious content, enabling efficient fact-checking and real-time response. Leading up to the 2020 general elections in Ghana, there was an alleged bribery scandal involving the President who was caught on camera appearing to be receiving a bribe. When the video was analysed with forensics, it was realised that it was doctored with the intention of causing disaffection to the President. This is an example of the use of technology to dispel disinformation. However, as we deploy such technologies, we must also be mindful of potential unintended consequences, such as privacy concerns and freedom of speech. Safeguarding these fundamental rights while combating disinformation requires a delicate balance, and our policies and regulations should reflect this balance. In conclusion, the impact of disinformation on electoral integrity, peace, and security in Africa is real and significant. It is not an issue we can afford to ignore. We must work together, both within our nations and across borders, to confront this challenge head-on. Our democracy, our peace, and our security depend on it. In hosting this seminar, Ghana reaffirms its commitment to democratic ideals and to preserving the integrity of our electoral processes. Together, let us take a united stand against disinformation. Let us prioritise the education of our citizens, strengthen partnerships, and leverage technology for a resilient and trustworthy democracy. By working together, Africa can lead the way in safeguarding electoral integrity, peace, and security in the face of disinformation. Restricted 4 Thank you.