Queen Mothers Trained to Combat Disinformation

In a significant move to combat the rising tide of misinformation, more than fifty Queen Mothers from northern Ghana completed specialized training aimed at equipping them with tools to counter false information in their communities. The one-day capacity-building workshop, held in Tamale, brought together traditional female leaders from five regions including Northern, North East, Savannah, Upper East, and Upper West.

The event, now in its sixth year, was organized by the Ghana Office of the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung (KAS) in partnership with the National Queen Mothers’ Platform (QMP)-Ghana. Operating under the theme “Combating Disinformation and Misinformation: The Role of Queen Mothers in Ensuring Good Governance,” the initiative recognizes the unique position these traditional leaders hold in their communities.

Dr. Joseph A. Darmoe, Director of Programmes at KAS Ghana, emphasized the serious threats posed by disinformation and misinformation to Ghana’s social fabric. “These phenomena can damage reputations, influence electoral outcomes, fuel ethnic and political tensions, and even trigger violence,” he explained during the workshop. Dr. Darmoe highlighted the Queen Mothers’ position as trusted community custodians whose voices carry significant weight in times of uncertainty.

The strategic importance of involving traditional authorities in combating misinformation reflects Ghana’s unique governance structure, where traditional leadership continues to hold considerable influence alongside modern democratic institutions. In many rural areas, Queen Mothers serve as key sources of information and guidance for community members, making them critical allies in the fight against false information.

Dr. Elvis B. Botah from the Centre for Peace and Security Research served as one of the workshop facilitators. He underscored the Queen Mothers’ role as vital bridges between formal government institutions and traditional communities, particularly in areas where trust in modern systems may be limited. Dr. Botah criticized their current exclusion from formal decision-making bodies such as the Regional and National Houses of Chiefs, calling for institutional reforms to better incorporate women’s voices in public discourse.

The workshop comes at a crucial time as Ghana, like many countries across Africa, faces growing challenges related to social media disinformation. With increasing internet penetration and smartphone usage, rural communities previously insulated from digital misinformation are now increasingly vulnerable. Traditional leaders like Queen Mothers are finding themselves on the frontlines of this information battle.

Dr. James Kwabena Bonfeh Jnr. of the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA), provided practical guidance during the session, urging participants to adopt rigorous fact-checking practices. He advised the Queen Mothers to scrutinize information sources carefully and consider the potential motives behind stories before sharing them with their communities. Dr. Bonfeh also stressed the importance of appointing individuals with integrity to leadership positions.

The President of QMP-Ghana and Paramount Queen Mother of the Osudoku Traditional Area, Nana Amponsah Dokua III, expressed appreciation for KAS’s ongoing support. She voiced hope that the partnership would extend to reach more Queen Mothers across Ghana, thereby amplifying its positive impact nationwide.

The initiative represents an innovative approach to countering misinformation by leveraging traditional power structures rather than relying solely on technological solutions or formal government channels. Analysts note that this strategy acknowledges the complex information ecosystem in Ghana, where traditional authority often carries more weight than official pronouncements, especially in rural areas.

All participants received certificates of participation at the conclusion of the training. The Konrad Adenauer Stiftung, which sponsored the event, is a German political foundation working globally to promote democracy, rule of law, social market economy, and human rights through civic education and political consulting.

The workshop stands as part of a broader effort to strengthen Ghana’s resilience against disinformation as the country continues to navigate the challenges of the digital information age while maintaining its rich traditional governance structures.