A critical message from the EC: Securing accurate results in the 2024 elections
Dr. Serebour Quaicoe, the Head of Training at Ghana’s Electoral Commission (EC), has raised concerns over the potential spread of disinformation in both traditional and social media ahead of the 2024 general elections. He emphasized the critical role of media in fact-checking information to prevent the dissemination of false reports.
Speaking at a stakeholders’ conference in Accra on combating disinformation for the upcoming elections, Dr. Quaicoe, in collaboration with Penplusbytes, International Media Support (IMS), and Research ICT Africa (RIA), underscored the risks of unverified information. “My biggest fear for 2024 is disinformation because both the traditional and new media are more likely to put forward information without crosschecking with the right people,” he said.
He expressed specific concerns about fabricated audio and video content, noting instances from past elections where misleading visuals were circulated. “I am seeing ahead of that where people will be coming out with some audio and videos that may not be related to Ghana’s elections,” he explained, recalling a case where an individual in a green jacket—a color not used in Ghana’s election attire—was misleadingly portrayed as part of the electoral process.
Dr. Quaicoe also warned about potential scenarios where misinformation could be used to manipulate public perception about the election results. “I wouldn’t be surprised if somebody would be producing results from somewhere,” he cautioned, adding that individuals or groups who might not accept the results could sponsor misleading content to spread claims of electoral misconduct.
To counter these challenges, Dr. Quaicoe announced that the EC plans to provide regular, accurate updates to the public through media channels. He noted, “Some people are so dogmatic that whatever comes from people in their party is the gospel truth. If we do not commit ourselves to the truth, you may be coming out with the right figures, but they will not believe them because the other side is saying theirs is the truth.”
The conference underscored the need for vigilance and responsible media practices to uphold a transparent electoral process for Ghana’s 2024 elections.
