“Certain individuals in academia, CSO, media, propagating false narratives in support of a coup or military rule” -Kan Dapaah

The National Security Minister, Albert Kan-Dapaah, has expressed deep apprehension regarding the increasing prevalence of individuals within academia, civil society organizations (CSOs), and the media, who are utilizing their platforms to spread false narratives in favor of coups and military rule.

Kan-Dapaah voiced these concerns during a conference addressing the Impact of Disinformation on Electoral Integrity, Peace, and Security in Africa.

The minister emphasized that these individuals have garnered substantial followings on social media and are capitalizing on these platforms to disseminate misinformation, which poses a threat to Ghana’s peace and stability. He specifically mentioned that this alarming trend has become more evident after the recent coup in Niger.

“In Ghana, a more disconcerting trend is also emerging,” Kan-Dapaah stated, 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.”

He further pointed out that these actors, with their significant social media followings, are wielding influence to spread misinformation, particularly as Ghana approaches the critical December 2024 general election. The minister underscored the seriousness of this matter and its potential to disrupt the nation’s peace and stability.

Kan-Dapaah stressed that the dissemination of misinformation, whether deliberate or inadvertent, by these influential individuals, poses a substantial threat to Ghana’s overall stability and security.

“Misinformation, whether intentional or inadvertent, from these individuals because they are influential poses a significant threat to Ghana’s stability,” he emphasized.

The National Security Minister further called upon all Ghanaians to remain vigilant and to resist any attempts aimed at sowing discord and division within the country. The government’s concern over the spread of misinformation underscores the significance of preserving peace and stability, particularly in the run-up to the upcoming general election.