Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, has cautioned the media against spreading unverified information in the digital era, as it poses a serious threat to public trust, national cohesion and Ghana’s democracy.
According to him, advanced technology, particularly artificial intelligence, has made it increasingly difficult for citizens to distinguish between factual information, manipulation and deliberate deception.
Bagbin laments the poor condition of service of journalists
Shaibu Mahama, MP for Daboya/Mankarigu, who read the Speaker’s speech on his behalf at a media engagement on Thursday, August 27, 2026, said false information could reach thousands, and sometimes millions, of people within minutes.
He stressed that the media occupies a powerful position in Ghana’s democracy because it provides citizens with information, facilitates public debate and helps hold leaders and state institutions accountable.
“The media can build trust, promote tolerance and strengthen national cohesion. But the media can also, if not exercised responsibly, contribute to division, misinformation and public distrust,” he said.
He noted that the challenge had become more complex with the emergence of artificial intelligence and other technologies, which have created new opportunities while also making the spread of manipulated content easier.
“Information, analysis and verification of falsehoods can reach thousands, sometimes millions of people within minutes,” he quoted the Speaker.
He further called on media practitioners to exercise greater responsibility in the discharge of their duties, stressing that the freedom of the media must be protected but should always be accompanied by responsibility.
“The media must remain committed to accuracy, fairness, professionalism and the national interest,” he added.
Mahama also urged media organisations and practitioners to deepen their partnership with the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) to promote civic awareness and democratic values.
He said the media’s responsibility should go beyond reporting political events to educating citizens on the Constitution, their civic duties, state institutions and the importance of peaceful participation in public life.
“Our highways, newspapers, television platforms and digital spaces should not only inform citizens about political events. They should also educate citizens about the Constitution, their civic duties, the institutions of state, and the importance of peaceful participation in public life,” he said.
He further called for the media to become a stronger platform for building an informed, responsible and active citizenry, particularly at a time when fake news and digitally manipulated content are becoming increasingly common.
NA/VPO
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