Minister of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, has said that the bill that addresses the issue of misinformation and disinformation will soon be sent to Parliament for debate and approval.
He clarified that this bill does not cover criticisms of the government.
Speaking exclusively on TV3 with Roland Walker on Friday, April 11, he said, “Irrespective of your political colour, if you engage in peddling of fake news, the law will deal with you.”
Earlier in the week, he announced at a press conference in Accra that “Specialised legislation against misinformation and disinformation to be presented before Parliament to be passed into law.”
Sam George first made the proclamation about the legislation to combat misinformation and disinformation in Ghana during parliamentary proceedings on Tuesday, February 5.
The Ningo-Prampram MP emphasized the urgent need for a legal framework to address the growing threat of false information, both in Parliament and across the country.
“The ministry will be coming again to deal with the issues of mis- and disinformation with legislation to this House. And I will urge members of Parliament to support it,” he stated.
Citing recent incidents within Parliament, Sam George highlighted how misinformation had influenced legislative discussions. He referenced the case of Oliver Bakavomawa, who was invited by the Appointments Committee based on an allegedly doctored social media post. He also pointed out instances where altered images oh him were presented on the floor of Parliament, further stressing the dangers of manipulated digital content.
“Even in this chamber yesterday, there was misinformation. In fact, in the past one week, this House has carried out business on two occasions on the back of misinformation,” he noted.
The Minister reiterated the government’s commitment to cracking down on individuals who deliberately spread false information, stating that such acts should attract legal consequences.
“It’s important that we take misinformation and disinformation seriously and deal with it once and for all. And crack the whip and make sure that persons who are actively engaged in this face the full rigours of the law,” he declared.
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