We become the legs that carry, spread fake news - IGP cautions against misinformation

The Inspector General of Police, Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, has cautioned the public on guarding against misinformation and disinformation in the run up to the December general elections.

Speaking at the Inaugural Ghana Report Summit on August 1, 2024, he said the rising trend of misinformation, disinformation and fake news pose a threat to the security of the country.

He stressed the need for individuals, political actors and institutions to always prioritize national interests.

“Fake news has no legs, we become the legs that carry it, spread it and make it go viral. We need to look at ourselves and see that if there is a fake news, misinformation or disinformation and it is spreading all over the place it means we are responsible and if we are responsible, how do we deal with it? And that brings to the core the concept of critical thinking.

"We have to look at ourselves, it is noted that sharing is caring, but when it comes to fake news, sharing is not caring,” he noted.

He stressed the need for empathy, fact-checking, and responsible communication to combat misinformation and disinformation and also promote a more harmonious society.

“When you receive information, assess it, and if you are not sure, there are always sources you can cross-check to see if that information contains potency and if it does not, you still have the responsibility to share it but not in the nature it came,” he noted.

Dr. Akuffo Dampare also urged the media to use their gate-keeping role to fight misinformation and disinformation and also uphold high ethical standards.

JKB/AE

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