Ghana's NCCE warns deepfakes and misinformation threaten democracy

The National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) in Ghana has warned that misinformation, disinformation, hate speech, and deepfakes pose significant threats to the nation’s democratic stability and social cohesion. During a press event in Accra, NCCE Chairperson Kathleen Addy highlighted how rapid advancements in artificial intelligence allow for the creation of highly convincing but fabricated audio, video, and images.

Ms. Addy noted that the evolution of digital communication has made it increasingly difficult for citizens to distinguish fact from falsehood, stating, “We have entered an age in which seeing and hearing can no longer on their own be treated as proof.”

To combat these challenges, the NCCE is calling for stronger strategic partnerships with the media. Ms. Addy emphasized that journalists play a critical role in amplifying civic education and helping the public navigate an unregulated digital ecosystem. She urged media professionals to prioritize accuracy, fairness, and independence over the speed of publication to ensure that false narratives do not outpace factual reporting.