NSB Vows to Combat Social Media Disinformation Within 12 Hours

Ghana’s national intelligence agency has issued a stern warning that it will rapidly track down and arrest individuals spreading false information on social media platforms, as part of an intensified effort to combat misinformation that threatens national security.

Dr. George Atta Boateng, Director-General of the National Signals Bureau (NSB), announced that the agency has reduced its response time to just 12 hours for identifying those responsible for spreading misinformation online, regardless of their location.

“I must also say that those who hide behind TikTok and Facebook to spread misinformation and disinformation to incite violence, to cause anarchy and chaos — we will come after you no matter where you are,” Dr. Atta Boateng warned during the inauguration of a new NSB facility in Koforidua on Wednesday.

“Initially, it used to take us 24 hours. Now it’s coming down to 12 hours. No matter where you are, we’ll find you. Our record speaks for itself,” he added, highlighting the agency’s growing technological capabilities.

The announcement comes amid rising concerns across West Africa about the impact of false information on social media, which has been linked to political instability and communal violence in several countries. Ghana, which has maintained relative stability in a turbulent region, has increasingly focused on preventing online misinformation from disrupting its social fabric.

The NSB, established as Ghana’s primary signals intelligence agency, has expanded its mandate in recent years to include cybersecurity and digital intelligence gathering. The new facility in Koforidua, located in Ghana’s Eastern Region, represents part of the government’s investment in decentralizing intelligence operations beyond the capital, Accra.

During the inauguration ceremony, Dr. Atta Boateng highlighted several recent operational successes that demonstrate the agency’s growing capabilities. He cited the NSB’s collaboration with international partners that led to the rescue of two Ghanaian women who had been kidnapped in neighboring Nigeria, showcasing the agency’s cross-border operational reach.

In another high-profile case, the Bureau’s surveillance teams successfully dismantled a sophisticated cyber fraud network operating across multiple Ghanaian cities including Wa, Wenchi, and Techiman. The syndicate had defrauded a prominent traditional chief of more than GH₵1 million (approximately $70,000).

“These are not just operations. They are real stories of lives saved, justice served, and trust restored,” Dr. Atta Boateng emphasized.

The NSB’s warning reflects a broader trend across Africa, where governments are grappling with regulating social media while balancing concerns about free speech. Digital rights advocates have previously expressed concerns about potential overreach in surveillance operations, though the NSB maintains its focus is specifically on criminal activity and threats to national security.

Media analysts note that Ghana’s approach to combating misinformation differs from some neighboring countries that have imposed outright bans on certain social media platforms. Instead, the NSB appears to be focusing on targeted enforcement against specific actors spreading harmful content.

The Director-General urged the public to exercise greater responsibility by verifying information before sharing it online. He emphasized that the agency’s primary concern is with deliberate attempts to spread falsehoods that could incite violence or undermine public order, rather than innocent mistakes.

As Ghana approaches its national elections in 2024, the role of social media and misinformation is expected to receive even greater scrutiny, with the NSB likely to increase its monitoring of potential threats to electoral integrity and public safety.