Dr. Agyeman-Rawlings Urges Public to Take Active Role in Combating Misinformation

In a significant push to combat digital misinformation, Dr. Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, Member of Parliament for Klottey Korle, has called on Ghana’s youth to take a proactive stance against false information spreading online.

Speaking at the launch of the Ghana Anti-Disinformation Coalition (GADC) Project in Accra last Wednesday, Dr. Agyeman-Rawlings emphasized that while the internet has become an essential tool in modern life, it harbors potential dangers for unwary users.

“Remember that not everyone online is who they say they are,” she cautioned attendees at the youth seminar focused on misinformation and online safety. The event, held at the Ghana-India Kofi Annan ICT Centre, attracted more than 300 young participants from junior and senior high schools as well as tertiary institutions across the capital.

The seminar, organized by Penplusbytes with funding from the Norwegian government, aimed to equip young people with critical skills to navigate digital spaces safely. Operating under the theme “Fake News, Real Consequences: Empowering Young Minds to Combat Misinformation and Stay Safe Online,” the program provided practical guidance on responsible internet use.

Dr. Agyeman-Rawlings highlighted the psychological impact of misinformation on youth, noting that exposure to false information can trigger anxiety and normalize harmful behaviors. “Not everything you see online reflects real life. You have the right to protect your mind and your peace,” she said.

The parliamentarian’s message went beyond simply warning of dangers, positioning young people as potential agents of positive change. “You can choose to be different. You can choose to be someone who checks facts, someone who speaks the truth, someone who helps others understand what is real. That is how change begins,” she stated.

Her remarks also addressed educators and facilitators, emphasizing their responsibility extends beyond traditional teaching to shaping how young people interpret information. She advocated for learning environments where students feel empowered to question information sources, challenge assumptions, and develop independent thinking skills without fear of making mistakes.

The GADC Project represents a significant investment in Ghana’s information ecosystem. Jerry Sam, Executive Director of Penplusbytes, described it as a three-year, nationally coordinated initiative designed to reduce the spread and societal impact of disinformation through collaborative action, research tailored to local contexts, and innovation powered by artificial intelligence.

Sam explained that the project recognizes how disinformation exploits information gaps and cultural vulnerabilities. In response, GADC will unite media organizations, civil society groups, technology innovators, and community leaders to build a more resilient information environment based on verified facts and local knowledge.

The initiative aligns with Penplusbytes’ broader mission to strengthen governance across Africa through digital technologies. The organization has established itself as a key player in Ghana’s efforts to promote media literacy and combat false information.

Norway’s Deputy Ambassador to Ghana, Ingrid Skjolaas, offered international perspective at the event, acknowledging that while disinformation itself isn’t new, the velocity and scale at which it now spreads presents unprecedented challenges.

“We have partnered with Penplusbytes because we know their solid work and we believe in the need to engage and join forces. Information must be a force to strengthen and build our societies, not threaten them and undermine democratic values,” Skjolaas said.

The launch comes at a critical time for Ghana, as the country prepares for general elections in 2024. Experts have warned that election periods typically see increased levels of misinformation and disinformation campaigns aimed at influencing voters or undermining electoral processes.

Through initiatives like the GADC Project, Ghana joins a growing number of African nations implementing structured approaches to digital literacy and information verification as essential components of democratic resilience.