President John Dramani Mahama has called on world leaders to unite in the global fight against misinformation and disinformation, warning that the growing menace poses a threat to democracy, peace, and sustainable development.
The President made the call while addressing the 8th Paris Peace Forum on October 29, 2025, urging governments and international institutions to take decisive steps to protect truth and rebuild public trust in information systems.
“Together, we must work to win the global war against misinformation and disinformation. We leave this conference reminded that disinformation is not an abstract issue. It is shaping elections, distorting public health responses, fueling conflicts, and undermining the fight against climate change,” he said.
He noted that falsehoods and propaganda continue to erode public confidence in science and policy, even a decade after the Paris Climate Accord. “If we are to build a sustainable planet, we must also make an informed public,” he stressed, highlighting the link between access to accurate information and environmental sustainability.
Turning his attention to emerging technologies, President Mahama warned that Artificial Intelligence (AI), though a force for innovation, also amplifies the threat of misinformation.
“Deepfakes, synthetic media, and algorithmic manipulation are reshaping what our societies perceive to be the truth. Our collective task must therefore be to harness AI responsibly, to promote transparency, and to ensure that technological progress strengthens rather than undermines public trust,” he said.
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During his address, President Mahama announced that Ghana will be the first African country to make a financial contribution to the global effort against disinformation. He said the move demonstrates Ghana’s leadership and commitment to promoting truth and information integrity across the continent.
“Ghana will take the lead in Africa by making a financial contribution to global efforts against disinformation. This is our pledge to support a world where facts, not falsehoods, guide decision-making and public trust,” he said.
President Mahama also emphasised the central role of journalism in defending truth and democracy, describing independent journalism as “a public good.”
He explained that “when journalists can hold their governments accountable, societies flourish. When truth is defended, peace is preserved. And when citizens can access reliable information, democracy endures.
“The world must invest in truth as deliberately as it invests in infrastructure, in energy or defence. The cost of inaction will be far greater than the cost of those commitments,” he said.
The Paris Peace Forum, held under the theme “Building Trust, Restoring Truth: Collective Action for a Safer and Fairer World,” brought together global leaders, policymakers, and civil societies to deliberate on solutions to pressing global challenges.
The annual forum, established in 2018, seeks to promote multilateral action and cooperation in areas such as peace, governance, climate, and digital transformation. Issues President Mahama said are deeply connected to the global fight against misinformation.
Written by Samuel Nii Adjetey
