The Minister of State in Charge of Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, has acknowledged the role of the Ghana Fact-Checking Coalition in countering misinformation and disinformation during the 2024 general elections.
Speaking at the 2026 World Press Freedom Day event, at the residence of the British High Commission on May 6, 2026, the minister described journalism as an important pillar of democratic governance and accountability.
The event was under the global theme ‘Shaping the Future at Peace: Promoting Press Freedom for Human Rights, Development and Security,’ but focusing on the localised theme, ‘Defending Truth in a Digital Age: Journalism, Information Integrity and Democratic Resilience in Ghana and the Region,’ Kwakye Ofosu highlighted the contribution of the media and fact-checkers in protecting public interest and strengthening democracy.
“In Ghana, we have seen this truth play out repeatedly, from the exposures that led to procurement reforms, to the community radio stations that gave voice to farmers during the dry season, to the fact-checkers who countered falsehood during our last elections, the press has been a guardian of our public interest,” he said.
Kwakye Ofosu underscored the importance of journalism in strengthening democracy and promoting accountability: “Let me state this plain, a government that fears questions has already lost its confidence, and a society that silences journalists has already weakened its democracy. Journalism is not the enemy of government. Good journalism is actually an ally of good governance.”
He further reaffirmed the government’s commitment to press freedom, media pluralism, and the protection of journalists in Ghana. “Today on behalf of the government of Ghana, I reaffirm my commitment to protect the safety of journalists, to uphold media pluralism, and to ensure that no reporter is harassed, detained or threatened for doing their lawful work. We will continue to implement the right to information act in full.”
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The event was organized by the UK and Netherlands, as co‑chairs of the Media Freedom Coalition in Ghana. It hosted journalists, regulators and civil society to discuss safeguarding press freedom amid misinformation, disinformation & information manipulation.
A panel led by Prof. Audrey Gadzekpo shared insights on major challenges, threats and opportunities that the information ecosystem and online space faced. The panel included Kwaku Krobea Asante of MFWA, Kemini Amannor of TV3, Israel Laryea of Influencer Africa and a representative of the National Media Commission.
About the Ghana Fact-Checking Coalition (GFC)
The Ghana Fact-Checking Coalition, brought together fact-checking organisations including, GhanaFact (FactSpace West Africa), Dubawa Ghana (CJID), and Fact-Check Ghana (Media Foundation for West Africa), alongside civil society actors and media partners to monitor and counter misinformation and disinformation before, during and after the 2024 general elections.
The coalition launched a report after the elections providing an in-depth analysis of its activities and interventions during the election period. (read full report here)
Written by Nusrat Essah
