In a strong call to action, Minister for Communications and Digitalisation Ursula Owusu-Ekuful urged the National Communications Authority, the Ghana Police Service, and the Attorney General’s Office to work together to quickly identify those responsible for spreading misinformation and disinformation through electronic media.
Speaking at the launch of the 2024 National Cyber Security Awareness Month (NCSAM) in Accra, Miss Owusu-Ekuful noted that under Section 208(1) of the Criminal Code, spreading misinformation is a criminal offense classified as a misdemeanour.
She emphasized while there have been some successful prosecutions, she called for a greater application of these legal measures to discourage the deliberate dissemination of false information that aims to create public panic.
“I urge the National Communications Authority, the Ghana Police Service, and the Attorney General’s Office to expedite action,” she stated.
Further, she encouraged that, prompt action would deter others from using electronic platforms to incite fear and disrupt essential services with false information.
