Accra, Ghana – On Saturday, June 6, 2026, Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, asserted that while a free press is a cornerstone of democracy, the government will not tolerate the weaponization of fake news. Speaking at the 2nd Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) World Press Freedom Day Honours Night at the Alisa Hotel, the minister, representing President John Mahama, emphasized that press freedom must not serve as a shield for deliberate disinformation campaigns aimed at destabilizing the nation.
Context: The Digital Threat Landscape
In an era where information spreads instantaneously across digital platforms, the line between genuine journalism and fabricated content has become increasingly blurred. This blurring poses significant challenges to democratic societies, impacting public trust, national security, and social cohesion. The Ghanaian government’s stance comes amid a global rise in disinformation, often spread through social media and unverified online news outlets.
Minister Warns Against ‘Digital Poison’
Minister George directly addressed the growing menace of unverified and malicious reports circulating on Ghanaian digital channels. He stated that the propagation of fabricated stories, masked as editorial independence, undermines legitimate journalism and poses a direct threat to national security, public health, and communal harmony.
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