Ursula Owusu-Ekuful calls for swift prosecution of digital misinformation offenders

The Minister for Communications and Digitalisation, Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, has urged the National Communications Authority (NCA), the Ghana Police Service, and the Attorney General's (AG) Office to collaborate in expediting the identification and prosecution of individuals spreading misinformation and disinformation via electronic media.

Speaking at the launch of the 2024 National Cyber Security Awareness Month (NCSAM) in Accra, the Minister stressed the need for swift action to prevent the misuse of digital platforms, which she said has the potential to incite public fear and disrupt critical services.

“Legally, spreading misinformation and disinformation is a criminal offence under our law. Section 208(1) of the Criminal Code makes it a misdemeanour to publish false statements that cause public alarm,” she explained, underscoring the seriousness of the issue.

While acknowledging that some successful prosecutions have been made, Mrs. Owusu-Ekuful called for a stronger enforcement of existing laws to act as a deterrent to others.

"I think we need to increase the use of these deterrent mechanisms so that people will know that it is not okay to use electronic media to deliberately spread false information to create fear and panic amongst the population," she stated.

The Minister emphasiaed the importance of safeguarding public trust in the digital space and called for intensified efforts to tackle digital misinformation.

“I will urge the National Communications Authority, the Ghana Police Service, and the Attorney General’s Office to expedite action,” she added.