ACCRA: Mrs. Audrey Azoulay, Director-General of UNESCO, has called on the youth in Ghana to adopt digital security practices to fact-check and prevent the spread of disinformation. Speaking through Mr. Carl Ampah, Programs Officer at UNESCO, during the Youth Against Disinformation Conference in Accra, Mrs. Azoulay emphasized the dual nature of rapid digital transformation, which offers significant opportunities while presenting challenges such as misinformation and hate speech. According to Ghana News Agency, the conference brought together youth activists, NGO leaders, and political figures, highlighting the essential role of young people in combating disinformation, particularly during electoral processes. Mrs. Azoulay urged attendees to use digital tools responsibly to promote accurate information and protect democratic values. She pointed out that Ghana's electoral periods often experience a rise in disinformation, with both political and non-political figures spreading false narratives that can influenc e the youth's voting decisions. Dr. Imurana Mohammed, Director for Programs at the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), addressed the critical issue of disinformation in Ghana, particularly during elections. Dr. Mohammed noted that the spread of misleading information is exacerbated by young people not taking advantage of initiatives designed to enhance their understanding of disinformation. She encouraged the youth to build their capacity to navigate the complex information landscape, stressing the importance of participating in capacity-building programs. Mr. Jerry Sam, Executive Director of Penplusbyte, disclosed that his organization had launched several digital platforms aimed at fact-checking information during electoral periods. These platforms simplify political parties' manifestos, enabling the public to assess the feasibility of their policy recommendations. Mr. Sam highlighted the need for government action to address the rising disinformation during elections, warning that such misinf ormation threatens the social cohesion of the country.
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