Rashida Saani, Group Chief Executive, I-ZAR, has outlined plans to curb misinformation and disinformation in the upcoming 2024 general elections.
Speaking at the inaugural Ghana Report Summit, under the theme, “Dealing with Misinformation and Disinformation –Election 2024,” she noted that the topic resonates deeply with their collective mission and the challenges faced in today’s rapidly evolving media landscape.
According to her, it is important for such summits to be held because misinformation and disinformation can potentially undermine Ghana’s democratic processes, distort public discourse, and erode trust in our institutions.
“Our commitment to free speech is rooted in the belief that every voice has the right to be heard. Yet, with this right comes the responsibility to ensure that the information we disseminate is accurate, balanced, and reliable.”
She noted that the group is going to implement a multi-faceted approach to counter the growing menace of fake news.
“We intend to embark on nationwide training workshops for journalists. These workshops are designed to equip journalists with the tools and knowledge needed to identify, combat, and prevent the spread of misinformation and disinformation. The relevance of these workshops cannot be overstated,” she said.
She believes that in an era where information spreads at lightning speed, the role of journalists as gatekeepers of truth is more critical than ever hence, the need for this workshop.
“By enhancing the skills and knowledge of our journalists, we aim to fortify the media landscape against the corrosive effects of fake news. This initiative is part of our broader strategy to foster a culture of critical thinking and informed information consumption among the public,” she said.
In addition to these efforts, she disclosed they are also leveraging on technology to combat misinformation.
“We have partnered with tech companies to develop and deploy advanced tools that detect and flag false information.These tools use artificial intelligence to analyze patterns and identify potential fake news, allowing us to act swiftly to prevent its spread,” she explained.
The group revealed it is also actively engaging with social media platforms to ensure that they take responsibility for the content shared on their sites.
“We are advocating for stronger policies and measures to curb the dissemination of false information online. By working collaboratively with these platforms, we aim to create a safer and more reliable digital environment for all Ghanaians.
As we approach the December elections, it is imperative that citizens have access to reliable information to make informed decisions. By equipping journalists with the skills to combat misinformation and leveraging technology to detect and prevent the spread of fake news, we are safeguarding the integrity of our democratic processes and ensuring that truth prevails in the public discourse,” she expressed.