Rising Threat of Online Misinformation Poses National Challenge

In a fierce rebuttal against mounting allegations, Asutifi South MP Collins Dauda has warned that the proliferation of misinformation across Ghana’s media landscape poses a grave national security threat that could have devastating consequences if left unchecked.

“Social media misinformation is destroying this country. It will finish all of us if we’re not careful,” Dauda declared during an interview with Asempa FM on November 3, 2025, addressing claims that he had interfered with anti-illegal mining operations.

The veteran lawmaker has found himself at the center of controversy following reports that he ordered the release of illegal miners who had been arrested by the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS). Dauda categorically denied these allegations, expressing frustration that media outlets failed to contact him for comment before publishing the accusations.

The controversy stems from a recent incident in the Ahafo Region where NAIMOS officials were reportedly attacked by local youth while conducting operations against illegal mining activities, locally known as “galamsey.” 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 detained miners, including a Burkinabe national.

According to these reports, the situation escalated when the MP and his associates allegedly removed handcuffs from suspects and pursued NAIMOS officers to the Hwidiem Police Station, where an angry mob later gathered. Both Dauda and Addo have vehemently rejected these accounts as “false and misleading.”

Dauda specifically questioned the plausibility of the allegations against Addo, noting, “How can a first timer in Parliament lead thugs to attack NAIMOS? Does it sit well?” His comments highlight the inexperience of Addo as a freshman legislator, suggesting the unlikelihood of such bold action from a newcomer to Ghana’s political arena.

The incident underscores the growing tensions surrounding illegal mining operations in Ghana, which have caused widespread environmental degradation, particularly to water bodies and forest reserves. The government established NAIMOS as part of intensified efforts to combat illegal mining, but the initiative has faced resistance in various mining communities where many locals depend on small-scale mining for their livelihoods.

Ghana’s fight against illegal mining has become increasingly militarized in recent years, with joint police and military task forces deployed to mining regions. These operations have sometimes led to confrontations with local communities, raising questions about the sustainability and social impact of current enforcement approaches.

The allegations against the two MPs come at a politically sensitive time, as Ghana approaches its general elections. Political observers note that such claims could be weaponized to influence voter perceptions in crucial mining constituencies.

Media ethics and responsibility have also come under scrutiny following Dauda’s comments. The MP expressed dismay at what he perceives as a decline in journalistic standards, stating, “No one called to ask me about my side of the story, meanwhile, my name is being mentioned. I’m talking about the media and per what I know, once the media gets a story, they double check to confirm the truth.”

The incident highlights the challenges Ghana faces in balancing economic interests, environmental protection, and community rights in mining areas. It also raises important questions about the role of social media and traditional news outlets in shaping public discourse on contentious issues.

As the controversy continues to unfold, calls for more responsible reporting and fact-checking are likely to intensify, particularly regarding issues that could potentially inflame tensions in already volatile mining communities.