Communication Minister announces upcoming legislation to combat misinformation and disinformation
The Minister for Communication, Digital Technology, and Innovation, Samuel Nartey George, has announced plans to introduce a new law aimed at tackling the growing threat of misinformation and disinformation in Ghana.
Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday, April 9, 2025, Mr. George stated that the ministry is finalizing a draft bill, which will be presented to Parliament during its next sitting.
“I will present a specialised legislation document on misinformation and disinformation before Parliament to be passed into law in its next meeting to create a clear legal framework for law enforcement,” he said.
The push for legal reform began earlier this year, when Mr. George raised the issue during a parliamentary session on February 5, 2025. He emphasized that misinformation is becoming a national concern, affecting not just political discourse but also everyday governance.
“We must take misinformation and disinformation seriously,” he said. “This ministry is working to ensure that Parliament receives a bill that addresses the problem effectively. I urge my colleagues to support it when the time comes.”
Citing recent events in Parliament, Mr. George pointed to incidents where debates were influenced by false information, including the case of a nominee who faced scrutiny due to a fake social media post. He also referenced instances in which manipulated images of himself were circulated, disrupting proceedings and misinforming the public.
“In fact, just last week, there were two instances in Parliament where discussions were driven by misinformation,” he noted, stressing the urgent need for legislation to safeguard the integrity of public institutions.
The minister reaffirmed the government’s determination to hold accountable those who intentionally spread falsehoods. “It is time to take strong action against individuals who deliberately spread falsehoods, and we must ensure that they are held accountable,” he said.
Mr. George concluded with a call for responsible communication: “We have a collective civic duty to be mindful in our communication.”
