Journalists covering the activities of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) have been urged to uphold professionalism and guard against the spread of misinformation and disinformation in their work.
The call was made during a training workshop organised for members of the NDC media group in Accra on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, under the theme: “Combatting Misinformation and Disinformation: The Role of the Media.”
Speakers at the event stressed that the growing spread of false information, particularly on digital and social media platforms, continues to pose a major threat to journalism and public trust.
In his welcome address, Co-Chair of the NDC media group, Michael Petit Mawugbe, popularly known as Efo Mawugbe, reminded journalists of the ethical standards governing the profession and urged them to remain responsible in their reportage.
According to him, the workshop became necessary due to the increasing circulation of misleading information in the media space.
“We are here today because the way we share and receive information has changed faster than our ability to verify it,” he said. “A single message, image, or voice note can spread across Ghana within minutes. While information can connect and inform us, false or deliberately misleading content erodes trust, distorts public debate, and in some cases, endangers lives and livelihoods.”
Mr. Mawugbe, who also serves as President of the Online Publishers Association of Ghana (OPAG), cited the 2024 Global Risk Report which ranked misinformation and disinformation among the world’s biggest threats.
He emphasised that journalists have a responsibility to verify information before publication, noting that the media often serves as the first point of contact between claims and the public.
“This forum is not about pointing fingers. It is about taking responsibility together. Our choices on what to publish, how to verify, and how to correct mistakes shape what thousands of people believe,” he stated.
Mr. Mawugbe also appealed to government and the leadership of the NDC to support and empower journalists within the group to enable them to continue their work effectively.
Patron of the group, Godwin Ako Gunn, commended members for their commitment over the years and pledged continued support for their sensitisation programmes. He further urged journalists and social commentators to exercise restraint and professionalism in their reportage and public commentary.
Delivering a presentation at the workshop, Mary Ama Bawa, Communications Lead for Capacity Building and Awareness Creation at the Cyber Security Authority (CSA), warned that misinformation and disinformation have evolved into organised operations deliberately designed to manipulate public opinion.
She urged journalists to adopt strict verification processes, including preserving evidence, tracing sources, corroborating facts, and carefully reviewing information before publication.
“Don’t rush to break the news when there is nothing credible to break, otherwise the law may catch up with you,” she cautioned.
Mrs. Bawa also highlighted the growing sophistication of digital misinformation campaigns, describing them as the “anatomy of modern disinformation operations.”
She further cautioned journalists against violating provisions of the Data Protection Act, 2012 (Act 843), warning that publishing unredacted screenshots, uploading sensitive files to public AI platforms, or retaining personal data unnecessarily could breach privacy laws.
She additionally called for strict compliance with Sections 62 to 68 of the Cybersecurity Act, 2020 (Act 1038), which criminalise offences such as cyberstalking, sexual extortion, and the non-consensual sharing of intimate images.
President of the Private Newspapers and Online News Publishers Association of Ghana (PRINPAG), David Tamakloe, in a solidarity message, encouraged journalists to adapt to the rapidly evolving media landscape and maintain high professional standards to remain relevant and sustainable in the industry.