Ghana is moving to strengthen the integrity of its information ecosystem with a new draft legislation and a digital verification initiative aimed at combating the growing spread of misinformation, disinformation, and hate speech.
The Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, announced the measures during a high-level stakeholder engagement with a delegation from Dubawa West Africa, the fact-checking arm of the Centre for Journalism, Innovation and Development (CJID).
Sam George said the Ministry has completed an extensive draft framework designed to address the rising challenge of false information in Ghana’s media and digital space. He noted that the legislation will balance the government’s responsibility to protect information integrity with citizens’ right to free expression and constructive criticism.
To further enhance transparency, the Minister disclosed that the National Information Technology Agency (NITA) has been tasked with developing digital signatures under a Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) system. The system, he explained, will allow citizens and fact-checkers to verify the authenticity of official statements from Ministries and government agencies in real time.
“Citizens must remain critical of government, but they must criticize us with facts, not fabrications,” Sam George said, reaffirming his commitment to accountability and truth in public communication.
The Dubawa team, led by Nathan Daguda, commended the Minister for his proactive efforts in addressing the spread of false information. Daguda congratulated him on his appointment and emphasized that Dubawa’s mission extends beyond fact-checking to promoting a culture of accuracy and evidence-based public dialogue across West Africa.
“Dubawa is the fact-checking arm of the Centre for Journalism, Innovation and Development (CJID), which operates across several West African countries and plays a key role in promoting information integrity,” Daguda said.
He added that the rise of disinformation has become a human rights concern, stressing that “access to accurate information is a fundamental right.”
If implemented, the proposed digital verification system and legislative reforms could position Ghana as a regional leader in combating misinformation, setting a benchmark for digital transparency and media accountability across Africa.
