Developing Strong Policy Frameworks to Institutionalize Media and Information Literacy (MIL) in Ghana

Ghana has been a beacon of democracy in Africa, often celebrated for its peaceful elections and progressive governance. However, the rising prevalence of fake news and manipulated media threatens this stability. Without a clear, enforceable policy to promote and integrate MIL into our systems, we risk creating a society that lacks the tools to critically evaluate information and navigate the digital space responsibly.

The Case for MIL in Ghana’s Policy Landscape

Ghana just held peaceful elections, demonstrating its resilient democracy and the combined efforts of citizens, institutions, and civil society organizations. However, the run-up to the elections was not without difficulties, particularly the extensive broadcast of misinformation and disinformation intended to manipulate public opinion and weaken trust in democratic processes.

To address the information disorders observed during the election period, special projects were initiated to combat false narratives and propaganda. The Media Situation Room (known as the Ghana Fact-Checking Coalition), a collaborative initiative by the Media Foundation for West Africa(MFWA) , Dubawa , FactSpace West Africa , and other partners, played an important role in monitoring and countering misinformation. This initiative brought together journalists, fact-checkers, and media professionals who worked tirelessly to verify claims, debunk false information, and ensure accurate reporting during the critical election period.

Additionally, the West Africa Network for Peacebuilding ( WANEP-Ghana ), alongside Dubawa a and other organizations, operated a Media Monitoring Room at the Movenpick Hotel in Accra. This hub became a nerve center for analyzing media trends, identifying misinformation hotspots, and providing real-time interventions. These efforts were crucial in maintaining the integrity of information and contributed significantly to the peaceful conduct of the elections.

While these initiatives were commendable, they underscore the urgent need for a more structured and sustainable approach to combating misinformation in Ghana. Institutionalizing Media and Information Literacy (MIL) through robust policy frameworks is the next logical step. The incoming 9th Parliament of the Republic of Ghana must prioritize this recommendation, recognizing that MIL is not just a tool for critical thinking but a foundation for safeguarding democracy and social cohesion.

To achieve this, civil society organizations can play a supportive role by providing drafts and inputs for the necessary legislative frameworks. The Draft National Action Plan Against Misinformation and Disinformation, spearheaded by the Ministry of Information, must continue with adjustments to reflect current trends. This plan should incorporate components of MIL, ensuring that citizens are equipped with the skills to navigate the complex media landscape responsibly.

Institutionalizing MIL requires a multi-faceted approach. This includes integrating MIL into educational curricula at all levels, training teachers to impart these skills effectively, and creating public awareness campaigns that emphasize the importance of critical media consumption. Ghana can draw lessons from the successes of recent election-specific projects like the Media Situation Room and media monitoring hubs to build a long-term strategy. These examples demonstrate how collaboration among stakeholders can yield tangible results.

The peaceful elections in Ghana serves as a reminder of what can be achieved when misinformation is actively countered. But to sustain this progress and build a society resilient to false narratives, MIL must be institutionalized as a national priority. With a strong legislative framework, supported by civil society and driven by government commitment, Ghana can set a benchmark for media literacy and democratic integrity in Africa.

The time to act is now. Let us ensure that the gains made in combating misinformation during the elections are not lost but built upon to create a more informed, empowered, and united Ghana.