Executive Director of Paradigm Initiative, a pan-African organisation, Mr. Gbenga Sesan, has called on the Electoral Commission (EC) to ensure that the public receives timely information regarding the upcoming December 7 election. He believes that this practice would help mitigate the spread of misinformation and disinformation, thereby enhancing public confidence in the electoral process.Mr.

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Sesan shared this recommendation during a news conference in Accra on Thursday, which aimed to present the findings of a multi-stakeholder engagement organised by Paradigm Initiative. The engagement was conducted in partnership with several organisations, including Community Focus Foundation Ghana (CFF-Ghana), the E-Governance and Internet Governance Foundation for Africa (EGIGFA), and the Internet Society Ghana Chapter (ISOC Ghana). Mr.

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Sesan opposed suggestions to regulate the internet, especially social media, during election periods as a means to combat misinformation. Last October, the EC proposed a framework aimed at regulating social media usage during elections to safeguard the integrity of the electoral process. However, Mr. Sesan cautioned that such regulations could prove perilous and potentially increase speculation and

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uncertainty.

we have learnt over the last few years is that electoral commissions are often responsible for the spread of fake news due to delays in releasing information,” he stated. “When you want fake news to die, release real news in advance. Carry citizens along during the process. Information gaps and asymmetries lead to assumptions and guesses."Mr. Sesan encouraged the EC to establish

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strong relationships with political parties and other stakeholders, sharing timely information with them to build trust in the process. He also advised the government to avoid media control and instead establish standards to promote responsible reporting.The president of the Internet Society, Mr.

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Francis Acquah Amaning urged the National Communications Authority to ensure strong internet access during and after the polls for timely information delivery.He also appealed to Ghanaians to respect the rights of their fellow citizens online and avoid spreading false information to protect the integrity of the electoral process.Mr.

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Amaning called on the media to adhere to professional ethics, exercising caution in their reporting to safeguard democracy, peace, and security.

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