Ghana Calls for Concrete Measures Against AI Disinformation at UN Summit

Ghana’s government officials are sounding the alarm over the escalating threat of AI-driven disinformation across global information landscapes, calling for immediate action beyond mere policy statements.

Speaking at the 48th Session of the Committee on Information at the United Nations headquarters in New York, Dr. Winnifred Nafisa Mahama, Acting Director of Ghana’s Information Services Department, delivered a pointed message about the growing crisis of digital misinformation.

“The time for declarations has passed,” Dr. Mahama told delegates at the session running from April 27 to May 8, 2026. She emphasized that artificial intelligence is now supercharging the spread of false information at unprecedented rates, creating an urgent need for concrete implementation strategies rather than additional policy frameworks.

The Ghanaian official highlighted how misinformation, disinformation, and hate speech—now amplified by advanced AI systems—are actively eroding public trust, deepening societal divisions, and threatening global security frameworks. Her comments come amid growing international concern about AI’s role in generating and distributing convincing false content across digital platforms.

Ghana expressed support for the United Nations Global Principles for Information Integrity while aligning with positions articulated by the Group of 77 and China. However, Dr. Mahama stressed that such principles will only be effective if accompanied by substantial capacity-building programs specifically designed for developing nations, where technological infrastructure and digital literacy often lag behind more developed regions.

The digital divide represents a fundamental structural challenge, according to the Ghanaian delegation. Dr. Mahama argued that creating equitable information access requires not only investments in advanced digital infrastructure and broadband connectivity but also continued support for traditional communication channels like radio and community media, which remain vital information sources across much of the developing world.

Ghana’s approach emphasizes responsible AI deployment that respects human rights while expanding information accessibility across diverse linguistic communities. Dr. Mahama underscored the crucial importance of media and information literacy programs to build public resilience against the growing sophistication of disinformation campaigns.

Journalist safety emerged as another critical concern, with Dr. Mahama highlighting the essential role that media professionals play in maintaining transparency and accountability in democratic societies. The protection of these information gatekeepers, she argued, must be prioritized as disinformation threats intensify.

The Ghanaian delegation called for enhanced financial and operational backing for both the UN Department of Global Communications and United Nations Information Centres, describing these institutions as essential for distributing reliable, multilingual information at the country level where it’s most needed.

This appeal comes at a pivotal moment when many nations are struggling to develop effective regulatory frameworks for rapidly evolving AI technologies. While several countries have introduced policies addressing AI ethics and disinformation, implementation remains inconsistent, leaving significant vulnerabilities in the global information ecosystem.

The Committee on Information, which oversees the Department of Global Communications’ activities and provides guidance on its policies and programs, serves as a key forum for addressing these emerging challenges.

Dr. Mahama concluded by reaffirming Ghana’s dedication to multilateral cooperation in building more inclusive and resilient global information systems. This commitment reflects growing international consensus that countering technology-driven disinformation requires coordinated action across national boundaries, particularly as concerns mount over the manipulation of public discourse through sophisticated technological means.