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Ghana’s Foreign Minister Calls for Global Action Against Health Misinformation
Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has issued an urgent appeal for stronger international cooperation to combat the growing crisis of health-related misinformation. Speaking at the 8th Paris Peace Forum on October 29, 2025, Ablakwa warned that the proliferation of false information continues to pose a serious threat to public health worldwide.
“Disinformation is not an abstract issue. It distorts public health responses and undermines the work of medical professionals. When falsehood spreads faster than science, lives are lost and public confidence is shattered,” Ablakwa told the gathering of global leaders and policymakers.
The minister emphasized that misinformation has particularly devastating consequences in developing nations, where access to reliable health information is often already compromised. He cited concrete examples of how misinformation directly impacts public health outcomes.
“We have witnessed how rumours and conspiracy theories about vaccines, diseases, and treatments can lead to fear, stigma, and unnecessary deaths. We cannot afford to let false narratives dictate the health outcomes of our people,” he stated.
According to Ablakwa, the spread of health misinformation has created tangible public health emergencies in many communities. “Fake drugs, false claims of efficacy, and conspiracy theories are spreading. Children are not being vaccinated, pregnant women are avoiding the right medications, and people are dying en masse,” he explained.
The Ghanaian diplomat called for a coordinated approach involving governments, international organizations, and technology companies. He specifically challenged social media platforms to implement more rigorous policies regarding health-related content and to actively promote verified information from credible medical sources.
“We must demand transparency and ethical responsibility from digital platforms. Technology must be used to protect, not poison, public understanding of health,” Ablakwa insisted.
Public education forms a critical component of Ghana’s proposed strategy against misinformation. “An informed citizenry is our strongest defence against misinformation. We must equip our people with the tools to discern truth from deception, especially in the digital age,” the minister said.
Ghana’s commitment to addressing this issue reflects growing global concern about “information disorder” – a term increasingly used by policy experts to describe the ecosystem of misinformation, disinformation, and malinformation that undermines public trust in institutions. The World Health Organization has previously identified health misinformation as a major obstacle to achieving global health objectives, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic when vaccine hesitancy was fueled by online falsehoods.
Ablakwa reaffirmed Ghana’s dedication to international initiatives aimed at preserving information integrity. “Ghana believes that safeguarding truth is a shared global duty. We will continue to support initiatives that defend integrity, strengthen public health systems, and ensure that no citizen is misled in matters that affect their wellbeing,” he pledged.
The Paris Peace Forum, where Ablakwa delivered his address, convened under the theme “Building Trust, Restoring Truth: Collective Action for a Safer and Fairer World.” The event brought together leaders from various sectors to discuss solutions to pressing international challenges. Ghana’s President John Mahama was among the high-profile attendees at this year’s forum.
Established in 2018, the Paris Peace Forum has become an important platform for promoting multilateral cooperation on issues ranging from peace and governance to climate action and digital transformation. This year’s focus on truth and trust reflects growing recognition of information integrity as a cornerstone of effective global governance and public health management.
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17 Comments
Combating health misinformation is critical, but it will require a multi-faceted approach. Improving digital literacy, regulating social media platforms, and investing in public health education all have a role to play.
Good point. Governments, tech companies, and civil society organizations will need to work together to develop effective solutions.
This issue hits close to home. In my country, we’ve seen the devastating impact of vaccine hesitancy fueled by misinformation. I’m glad to see global leaders prioritizing this problem.
That’s a sobering reality. Tackling health misinformation is truly a matter of life and death in many parts of the world.
As someone who has witnessed the real-world consequences of health misinformation, I’m glad to see this issue receiving high-level attention. Decisive action is needed to safeguard lives and restore trust in science.
I agree. Misinformation can have devastating impacts, and we cannot afford to be complacent. A robust, coordinated response is essential.
I appreciate Minister Ablakwa’s call for global cooperation on this issue. Tackling health misinformation requires coordinated action and a shared commitment to evidence-based policymaking.
This is an important issue that needs a concerted global response. Misinformation can have deadly consequences, especially in areas with limited access to reliable health information. I hope the international community takes concrete steps to combat this growing crisis.
Agreed. Strengthening public health infrastructure and information channels is crucial to ensuring people have access to accurate, science-based guidance.
This is a complex challenge, but I’m hopeful that the international community can rise to the occasion. Protecting public health from the scourge of misinformation should be a top priority.
This is a critical issue that deserves our full attention. I hope the global community can come together to develop effective strategies to combat health misinformation and safeguard the wellbeing of people everywhere.
Well said. Protecting public health from the scourge of misinformation should be a top priority for all of us.
Misinformation poses a threat not just to public health, but to the stability and prosperity of our societies. I commend Minister Ablakwa for sounding the alarm and urging global leaders to take concerted action.
While the problem of health misinformation is daunting, I’m encouraged to see leaders recognizing its gravity and taking steps to address it. Strengthening digital literacy and empowering people with reliable information will be key.
Absolutely. Educating the public and building resilience against false narratives is just as important as regulating the spread of misinformation.
As someone working in the mining and energy sectors, I’m curious to see how this issue might impact public perceptions and policies around critical minerals and resources. Misinformation could potentially disrupt supply chains and undermine necessary investments.
That’s a good point. Misinformation could certainly have ripple effects across various industries, so a comprehensive strategy is needed.