The Rise Of New Media In Ghana: Misinformation And Regulation
The rise of new media in Ghana. How do we ensure truth in a world where news travels faster than fact-checking?
September 10. 2025, His Excellency John Dramani Mahama issued a strong warning about the unchecked influence of new media in Ghana during his meet the press encounter. He noted that “anybody with a phone and a camera can report news or comment on national issues,” but cautioned that without regulation, this digital landscape could “lead this nation to war.” Pointing to the rise in hate speech and incitement on platforms such as TikTok and WhatsApp, he called for immediate steps to regulate what he described as the “new emerging media.”
In today’s digital age, where every smartphone owner is a potential broadcaster, the question arises: How do we ensure truth in a world where news travels faster than fact-checking? This article explores the evolution of new media, the challenges it presents particularly the spread of misinformation and proposes practical recommendations for regulation that safeguard both truth and freedom of expression.
New media refers to digital platforms such as social media (Facebook, X, TikTok), online blogs, news websites, and content created by influencers or individuals. Unlike traditional media, which is controlled by professional journalists and regulated media houses, new media allows anyone with a smartphone and an internet connection to share information. This has made access to news and communication more democratic. Today, people don’t have to wait for the 7 o’clock news; they can receive updates instantly on their phones.
However, the rise of new media in Ghana has transformed how information is created and shared and with it, a significant challenge: the uncontrolled spread of misinformation in an unregulated digital space. Unlike traditional media, which operates under established editorial standards and oversight, new media remains largely ungoverned. This has already caused serious real-world consequences, particularly during sensitive and critical national moments
Verified Cases of Misinformation in Ghana
Misinformation has increasingly affected Ghana, particularly during critical national moments. In both the 2020 and 2024 general elections, unofficial and misleading results circulated rapidly across digital media platforms before the Electoral Commission released the official outcomes. In 2020, for instance, false posts claimed that international media outlets had already projected winners. These inaccuracies heightened tensions and fueled mistrust among voters. Similarly, the 2024 elections witnessed partisan blogs and social media users spreading misleading updates aimed at influencing public opinion and deepening political divisions.
The COVID-19 pandemic further exposed the dangers of misinformation on digital platforms. False claims such as “the vaccine causes infertility” or “vaccinated people will die within two years” spread widely on WhatsApp and TikTok. These unfounded narratives discouraged many Ghanaians from accepting the vaccine, complicating public health efforts pubmed, 2023. More broadly, the Ghana Fact-Checking Coalition elections 2024 recorded over 100 instances of false or misleading digital content related to the 2024 elections alone. Most of these false publications originated on digital media platforms or partisan blogs and aimed to undermine public trust or stir political unrest.
Challenges of Censoring New Media
Censoring new media presents a complex challenge in Ghana, as it directly intersects with the principle of freedom of expression, a right enshrined in the 1992 Constitution. Article 21(1)(a) of the Constitution states: “all persons shall have the right to freedom of speech and expression, including freedom of the press and other media.” This provision guarantees Ghanaians the legal right to express their views, including those shared on online platforms. However, this right is not absolute.
Article 164 of the Constitution outlines limitations on media freedom in certain circumstances. It states that the provisions guaranteeing freedom of the media “shall be subject to laws that are reasonably required in the interest of national security, public order, public morality, and for the purpose of protecting the reputations, rights, and freedoms of other persons.” These clauses give the state legal grounds to regulate speech, including misinformation, when it threatens public safety or infringes on the rights of others. The central challenge lies in striking a balance: regulating harmful content while safeguarding constitutional rights. Critics caution that vaguely defined censorship laws could be misused to silence dissenting voices or manipulate political discourse particularly during elections.
Regulatory Efforts So Far
The government of Ghana has implemented various measures to regulate digital media and tackle the increasing spread of misinformation. The Cybersecurity Act of 2020 (Act 1038) established the Cyber Security Authority (CSA) to supervise cybersecurity initiatives across the country. Starting in March 2023, the CSA mandated that all cybersecurity service providers and professionals acquire licenses. By January 2024, the authority commenced enforcement of this regulation, cautioning that unlicensed activities might result in fines or legal action. This initiative is intended to enhance trust in Ghana's digital infrastructure and deter misuse stemming from insufficiently regulated platforms.
The Ministry of Communications and Digitalisation is currently working on a National Misinformation and Disinformation Bill. This legislation aims to clarify what harmful or false online content is and to impose penalties on those who deliberately disseminate it. According to the Ministry, the purpose of the bill is to safeguard the public while upholding freedom of expression. However, it has yet to be enacted into law. The Ministry has also suggested revoking broadcasting licenses that have not been used for more than two years, with the intention of tidying up the media landscape and preventing inactive channels from being exploited.
At the same time, the National Media Commission (NMC) continues to encourage media ethics and accountability, though it holds limited jurisdiction over online platforms where a majority of misinformation propagates.
Other African nations provide pertinent examples. In 2021, Nigeria suspended Twitter after the platform removed a tweet by the president. Government representatives argued that the ban was implemented to combat misinformation and maintain national unity, though many viewed it as a means to stifle free speech.
In 2018, Kenya enacted the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act, which criminalizes the dissemination of “false, misleading, or fictitious data” and imposes fines or imprisonment on violators. Even though the legislation aims to curb misinformation, critics contend that its ambiguous terms might lead to censorship or be wielded against journalists and dissenting voices. Ghana now faces a challenging task: to develop regulations that shield citizens from harmful online content while respecting constitutional rights, particularly the right to free expression.
Recommendations
To address the growing threat of misinformation without compromising democratic rights, Ghana must adopt a thoughtful and balanced strategy. First, the country must invest in digital literacy. Many Ghanaians still struggle to distinguish between credible information and fake news. Educating the public, especially young people and first-time internet users will help reduce the spread of false content. Schools, media houses, and civil society groups can lead public awareness campaigns that teach people how to fact-check, verify sources, and think critically about what they encounter online.
Second, the government should work with technology companies to monitor harmful content. Platforms such as Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), WhatsApp, and TikTok hold massive influence over how information spreads. By collaborating with these companies, the government can respond more quickly to viral misinformation. However, this partnership must respect freedom of expression and avoid political interference. Any action taken should be transparent, accountable, and guided by clear, consistent rules.
Third, Ghana needs independent and transparent regulation. Instead of placing full control in the hands of government ministries, the country should establish a neutral digital content monitoring body. This body should include media experts, legal professionals, civil society representatives, and tech specialists. Its role would be to review complaints, monitor online content, and advise policymakers without political bias or censorship.
Finally, Ghana must support fact-checking platforms and responsible journalism. Outlets like Fact-Check Ghana and GhanaFact already play an essential role in verifying public claims and exposing viral falsehoods. These platforms need more funding, visibility, and access to data. At the same time, journalists and editors must remain committed to accuracy, avoid sensationalism, and place truth above engagement metrics.
By combining education, collaboration, and fair oversight, Ghana can strengthen its information ecosystem without undermining its democratic values.
Conclusion
New media is transforming how people in Ghana access and share information. It gives everyone a voice and the opportunity to be heard. But with that power comes responsibility. Misinformation and fake news spread rapidly online. Without clear rules, false information can erode public trust and create serious challenges. Ghana must find ways to curb harmful content while also protecting the right to free expression.
The answer lies in balance. Citizens need education to recognize fake news, the government must collaborate with technology companies, and fair regulations should ensure accountability. Together, these steps can create a safer and more truthful digital space without undermining freedom.