A United States diplomat has raised concerns about potential interference in Ghana’s upcoming general elections.
Kevin Brosnahan, who serves as the Press Attaché at the US Embassy in Ghana, issued a warning about the threat posed by “foreign malign actors” who may use disinformation campaigns to influence the democratic process.
Brosnahan pointed out that Ghana’s vocal support for democracy in the region, its backing of Ukraine, and the prevailing regional dynamics could make the country a target for such interference. While disinformation has not been widespread in Ghana, he emphasized the need for vigilance due to the increased likelihood of external actors targeting the country and its electoral processes this year.
Speaking at a public discussion in Tamale organized by Savana Signatures, Brosnahan highlighted a report from the African Centre for Strategic Studies showing a significant rise in disinformation campaigns by foreign actors across West Africa since 2022. These campaigns aim to erode trust in governments, create uncertainty, and exploit vulnerabilities within societies to undermine peace and security.
The diplomat underscored the dangers of disinformation to democracy, stating that voters can be manipulated into making decisions against their own interests when they believe false information. He cited past instances in West Africa where massive disinformation campaigns led to the downfall of governments and worsened the state of affairs in those countries.
Brosnahan also addressed the role of technology in fueling disinformation, noting the emergence of deepfake videos and audios that can be spread on platforms like WhatsApp and social media. These deepfakes have the potential to influence elections and deter people from voting, posing a significant threat to the democratic process.
He called for collective action against misinformation and disinformation, emphasizing the importance of verifying information before sharing it widely. The US Embassy is actively working to enhance information resilience among stakeholders, including training journalists in fact-checking and promoting media literacy, especially among youth and social media users.
Rev. Fr. Dr. Clement Aapengnuo, Team Lead at COGINTA Ghana, highlighted the role of civil society organizations (CSOs) in countering misinformation and disinformation to promote peace, security, and development in northern Ghana. He stressed the need for awareness creation and urged CSOs to be intentional in their efforts to combat misinformation.
Dr. Stephen Agbenyo, Executive Director of Savana Signatures, warned about the increasing use of disinformation by violent extremists and terrorist organizations to manipulate vulnerable populations. He called for support in building a strong ecosystem to counter misinformation and disinformation in Ghana, especially as the country prepares for the upcoming elections.
As Ghana braces for the December 7 general elections, the warnings from US diplomat Kevin Brosnahan serve as a stark reminder of the importance of safeguarding the democratic process against external interference and misinformation campaigns. It is crucial for all stakeholders to remain vigilant and united in the fight against disinformation to protect the integrity of the electoral process.
