The Legal Advisor to the President of Ghana, Marietta Agyeiwaa Brew, has emphasized the need for the media to strengthen fact-checking practices to combat information disorder in the digital age. She stressed that journalists and media organisations have a responsibility to verify information before publishing, particularly as many people assume that information circulated through the media and social media is accurate. This is crucial in preventing false or misleading content from spreading rapidly and undermining public trust.
Speaking at the 2026 Stakeholders’ Conference organised by the Right to Information (RTI) Commission in Accra on September 24, Ms Brew, who represented the President, highlighted the importance of fact-checking in the digital age. She stated that the speed at which information spreads online makes it even more important for journalists to verify facts before publishing to prevent misinforming the public. The conference provided a platform for stakeholders to discuss practical, legislative, and institutional measures under Ghana’s Right to Information Act, 2019 (Act 989).
The conference focused on upholding information integrity in the digital age and the role of access to information in addressing information disorder. It examined how effective implementation of the RTI law could help bridge information gaps and strengthen public confidence in credible sources. The event also looked at proactive disclosure by public institutions and the need to improve the accuracy, timeliness, accessibility, and usability of information released to the public.
Ms Brew urged journalists to verify their sources and exercise caution when reporting information obtained from social media and other digital platforms. She called for collaboration among the media, educators, civil society organisations, and digital practitioners to help the public recognise manipulation while preserving legitimate debate and dissent. The Legal Advisor said the media had a duty to provide the public with accurate and verified information to enable citizens to make informed decisions.
The Deputy Presidential Spokesperson, Shamima Muslim, echoed the government's commitment to providing information in a timely manner. She said delays in releasing public information could create a vacuum that misinformation could fill. Ms Muslim urged public institutions to take responsibility for responding to Right to Information (RTI) requests and to clearly explain the reasons whenever information could not lawfully be disclosed.
The Board Chairman of the RTI Commission, Dr James Kwaku Asante, highlighted the critical role of access to accurate and credible information from public institutions in helping citizens distinguish facts from falsehoods in the digital age. He stated that the Right to Information had become a powerful tool for strengthening public governance, promoting accountability, and enabling citizens to participate meaningfully in national development.
Dr Asante called for stronger collaboration among government institutions, the media, civil society organisations, academia, the private sector, development partners, and citizens to strengthen openness, transparency, and responsible information sharing. He emphasized that the responsibility for promoting information integrity went beyond the RTI Commission and required a collective effort.
Key points
- The media must strengthen fact-checking practices to combat information disorder in the digital age.
- The government is committed to providing information in a timely manner to prevent misinformation.
- Access to accurate and credible information is critical to helping citizens distinguish facts from falsehoods in the digital age.
