Online Misinformation Threatens National Stability, Warns Collins Dauda

In a stern warning about the dangers of misinformation, Asutifi South Member of Parliament Collins Dauda has expressed grave concern that unchecked online falsehoods threaten Ghana’s stability and social cohesion.

The veteran lawmaker finds himself at the center of controversy following allegations that he ordered the release of illegal miners arrested during operations by the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS). Dauda has categorically denied these claims, describing them as baseless fabrications circulating on social media.

“Social media misinformation is destroying this country. It will finish all of us if we’re not careful,” Dauda warned during an interview with Asempa FM on November 3, 2025. He criticized media outlets for failing to verify information before publication, noting that no journalists had contacted him for his perspective despite his name being implicated.

The controversy stems from a reported incident in the Ahafo Region where NAIMOS personnel were allegedly attacked by local youth. Initial reports by journalist Erastus Asare Donkor claimed that Ebenezer Addo, MP for Asutifi North, arrived at the scene with supporters demanding the release of arrested illegal miners, including a Burkinabe national.

According to these reports, the situation escalated when the MP and his associates forcibly removed handcuffs from suspects and pursued NAIMOS officials to the Hwidiem Police Station, where a mob subsequently gathered. Both Dauda and Addo have firmly rejected these accounts, describing them as “false and misleading.”

Dauda questioned the plausibility of the allegations, particularly regarding his colleague Addo. “How can a first-timer in Parliament lead thugs to attack NAIMOS? Does it sit well?” he asked rhetorically, highlighting what he considers logical inconsistencies in the narrative.

The incident highlights the growing challenge of misinformation in Ghana’s political landscape, particularly as it relates to the contentious issue of illegal mining, locally known as “galamsey.” The practice has become a national crisis, causing extensive environmental damage including water pollution and deforestation across several regions.

The government’s anti-galamsey efforts, spearheaded by NAIMOS, have been met with mixed reactions. While many Ghanaians support the crackdown on illegal mining to protect natural resources, tensions often arise in mining communities where the activity provides livelihoods for many residents.

This dispute between NAIMOS officials and the parliamentarians underscores the complex political dimensions of Ghana’s fight against illegal mining. MPs from mining constituencies often face difficult balancing acts between supporting national environmental policies and responding to the economic concerns of their constituents.

The controversy also illustrates the increasing role of social media in shaping public discourse in Ghana. As digital platforms continue to grow in influence, the rapid spread of unverified information presents challenges for public figures and institutions alike.

For his part, Dauda’s concerns about misinformation reflect growing anxiety among many public officials about the impact of false narratives on governance and social stability. His warning that misinformation “will finish all of us if we’re not careful” resonates with broader concerns about the erosion of trust in public institutions.

As Ghana navigates these challenges, the incident serves as a reminder of the importance of media literacy, fact-checking, and responsible reporting in an increasingly digital information landscape. The controversy continues to develop as both MPs maintain their innocence while authorities investigate the reported attack on NAIMOS personnel.