The Inspector-General of Police, Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, has issued a stern warning about the dangers of disinformation as the December 7 general elections approach.
Speaking at an event organized by the Christian Council of Ghana at Alisa Hotel in Accra on July 4, Dr. Dampare underscored the critical role of accurate information in maintaining national peace and security. He urged Ghanaians to verify information before sharing to mitigate the harmful effects of misinformation and fake news.
Dr. Dampare emphasized the potential dangers of spreading false information, highlighting that in today’s era of rapid information exchange, the management of misinformation, disinformation, and fake news is crucial.
He stated that unchecked disinformation could cause significant harm, stressing the importance of responsible information sharing to preserve the peace that Ghana has long enjoyed.
The IGP called on all citizens to critically evaluate and verify information before disseminating it. He encouraged responsible sharing practices to prevent the spread of falsehoods that could disrupt national peace and security.
Dr. Dampare also urged religious leaders to support these efforts by allowing police officers to engage with congregants during religious gatherings, discussing election security, and addressing concerns.
Concluding his remarks, Dr. Dampare reiterated the importance of proactive engagement in combating misinformation. He proposed that police officers regularly participate in religious gatherings to discuss the significance of peace, security, and proper conduct during elections.
This proactive approach, he noted, would help achieve comprehensive election security and counter the spread of false information, ensuring a peaceful electoral process.
