Jubilee house is lead manufacturer of fake news – Mahama

Former President John Dramani Mahama has accused the Jubilee House, the seat of government, of being the source of fake news manufactured to undermine him and others.

Addressing a mini rally in the Asene Manso Akroso constituency in the Eastern Region, John Mahama claimed that many false stories circulating about him originate from the seat of government, allegedly aimed at distorting facts and misrepresenting his statements.

Mahama's remarks follow complaints by the Chief of Akyem Akroso, Nana Kwabena Ofori, who stated that his comments during a visit by NPP flagbearer Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia were twisted to imply he had endorsed Dr. Bawumia.

The chief later issued a disclaimer, clarifying that he did not endorse the NPP candidate and expressed his belief that John Mahama is the best choice to lead Ghana to prosperity.

In solidarity with the chief's concern, Mahama emphasized that such tactics of twisting narratives and spreading fake news from the Flagstaff House are detrimental to Ghana's democratic values and urged for integrity in political discourse.

"Nana, in your speech, you cautioned journalists against twisting your statements. Nana, it is not journalists who have been doing that; it is people in the Jubilee House. Flagstaff House is where they churn out fake news. It is not right. Nana, they have done it to me and many others. So I stand here to say that all the fake news we see on social media is from Flagstaff House," Mr. Mahama alleged.

In contrast, the Ministry of Information and the Ghana Commission for UNESCO have launched a social media campaign to tackle the rampant spread of misinformation and disinformation ahead of the December 7 election.

Misinformation and disinformation have become global challenges with far-reaching consequences for democracies, peace, and security.