Spreading misinformation and disinformation is a criminal act - Ursula Owusu tells media

Accra, Ghana - Ghana's Minister for Communications and Digitalisation, Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, has called for a collaborative effort to combat the spread of misinformation and disinformation through electronic media.

Speaking at the launch of the 2024 National Cyber Security Awareness Month (NCSAM) in Accra, Owusu-Ekuful emphasized the need for swift action to prevent the incitement of public fear and disruption of essential services through false information.

Owusu-Ekuful, a three-term Member of Parliament for the Ablekuma West constituency, urged the National Communications Authority, the Ghana Police Service, and the Attorney General's Office to work together to identify and address these issues.

She stressed that prompt action would serve as a deterrent, preventing others from exploiting electronic platforms to spread harmful misinformation.

“Legally, spreading misinformation and disinformation is a criminal offence under our law. Section 208(1) of the Criminal Code makes it a misdemeanour to publish false statements that cause public alarm,'' she stated.

“A few successful prosecutions have been had but I think we need to increase the use of these deterrent mechanisms so that people will know that it is not okay to use electronic media to deliberately spread false information to create fear and panic amongst the population.

“I will urge the National Communications authority, the Ghana Police Service, and the Attorney General’s Office to expedite action,” she added.