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President Akufo-Addo challenges Ghanaian journalists to combat disinformation ahead of 2024 elections
At the 28th Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) Media Awards held on Saturday, September 28, 2024, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo underscored the critical responsibility of Ghanaian journalists in safeguarding the nation’s democracy, particularly as the 2024 elections draw near.
Addressing an audience of media professionals, the President emphasized the growing challenges posed by disinformation, misinformation, and the digital age.
As part of the celebration marking 75 years of journalism excellence, the President noted that while technology has democratized access to information, it has also created new vulnerabilities. In the current media landscape, where social media platforms enable the rapid spread of information, journalists are faced with the task of ensuring that facts prevail over falsehoods.
“In this digital age, we face new challenges—disinformation, misinformation, fake news, and sensationalism—that can distort the electoral process. Journalists must rise to the occasion by being the gatekeepers of truth,” the President stated.
With the country set to embark on yet another crucial election in December 2024, President Akufo-Addo called on the media to report with integrity, fairness, and accuracy, ensuring that citizens are well-informed to make decisions that affect their future. He stressed that the stakes are higher than ever, and the role of the media has never been more critical.
“The responsibility of the media during elections cannot be overstated. It is through your work that citizens are informed about the policies of political parties, the integrity of candidates, and the issues that matter most to their lives,” he added.
The President’s speech also reflected on the broader role of journalism in shaping Ghana’s democracy. He credited the media for its role in promoting transparency, accountability, and the public good, particularly in periods of political transition. He highlighted the media’s contribution to the restoration of democracy in 1992 and its continued involvement in educating the public and safeguarding democratic values.
The President noted that journalism, as the “fourth estate,” has been pivotal in moving Ghana forward. He urged media practitioners to maintain their professionalism and safeguard the public’s trust by adhering to the principles of truth, fairness, and impartiality.
However, he was quick to caution that with great power comes great responsibility. “The bond between journalists and the public is built on trust, and it is this trust that must be continually safeguarded by your professionalism and dedication to accuracy, fairness, and balance,” he said.
As a passionate advocate for press freedom, President Akufo-Addo recounted his efforts in advancing the rights of journalists in Ghana. He highlighted his government’s commitment to passing the Right to Information Act, which empowers journalists and the general public to access critical information to hold leaders accountable.
This, coupled with the repeal of the Criminal Libel Law during his tenure as Attorney General in 2001, has strengthened the foundation of press freedom in Ghana.
President Akufo-Addo, whose term as president is set to end, reflected on his long-standing relationship with the media. He emphasized the personal significance of attending the awards ceremony, noting that it would be his last as President of the Republic. Despite returning from a demanding schedule at the United Nations General Assembly in New York, he made it a priority to attend the event in recognition of the invaluable role the media has played in his presidency and the democratic journey of Ghana.
In conclusion, President Akufo-Addo commended the resilience, courage, and dedication of Ghanaian journalists. He reaffirmed his belief that a free and vibrant press is crucial to democracy, and as the country prepares for the 2024 elections, he called on the media to uphold its duty as the torchbearer of truth and fairness.
“I remain deeply committed to ensuring that the media in Ghana remains free, vibrant, and independent. Your work is essential to the strength of our democracy, the integrity of our elections, and the progress of our nation,” the President declared, leaving the audience with a message of hope and responsibility as they prepare for the next chapter in Ghana’s political history.
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CSA urges Universities to strengthen cybersecurity following university of Nottingham cyber-attack
The Cyber Security Authority (CSA) has cautioned universities and other operators of Critical Information Infrastructure (CII) in Ghana to comply with cybersecurity regulations following a recent cyber-attack on the University of Nottingham in the United Kingdom.
In a press release issued on June 16, 2026, the Authority said the incident should serve as a warning to educational institutions that no organisation is immune to cyber threats, regardless of its size, reputation or technological capacity.
According to the CSA, the attack on the University of Nottingham is believed to have affected about 450,000 students and alumni, exposing sensitive information such as personal records, contact details, student identification information and financial data.
The Authority noted that although the breach occurred outside Ghana, it has important lessons for the country’s education sector as well as other critical sectors including health, telecommunications and transportation.
The CSA explained that Ghanaian universities are increasingly relying on digital technologies such as student information systems, online learning platforms, cloud services, digital payment systems and research collaborations.
While these technologies improve efficiency and access to services, they also create opportunities for cybercriminals to exploit vulnerabilities.
“The question is therefore not whether Ghanaian universities or other critical sectors will be attacked, but whether they are sufficiently prepared when an attack occurs,” the statement said.
The Authority reminded institutions to adhere to the Directive for the Protection of Critical Information Infrastructure, which was launched in October 2021 to strengthen cybersecurity across critical sectors.
According to the CSA, the directive requires organisations to establish cybersecurity governance structures, conduct risk assessments, implement security controls, report incidents, carry out regular audits and develop effective incident response plans.
The Authority said these measures are intended to reduce the likelihood and impact of cyber-attacks and help protect essential services and national interests.
By: Jacob Aggrey
Former NPP flagbearer aspirant, Kennedy Agyapong, has criticised both the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) over the delayed completion of the Afari Military Hospital and other stalled health infrastructure projects.
Mr. Agyapong made the remarks on Tuesday after donating a pickup truck, an incubator and personal protective equipment (PPEs) to the 37 Military Hospital as part of activities marking his 66th birthday.
Speaking at the event, he said successive governments had failed to complete the Afari Military Hospital despite having years in office to do so.
According to him, the project was initiated during the administration of former President John Agyekum Kufuor and construction later commenced under the NDC.
Mr. Agyapong, who previously chaired Parliament’s Defence and Interior Committee, said he was aware of the project’s challenges and insisted that both the NPP and NDC should be held accountable for the delays.
“We will criticise the NDC and we will criticise the NPP. That’s the only way to go,” he said.
He noted that the previous NPP administration spent eight years in office without completing the facility and questioned attempts to place the blame solely on the current government.
The former Assin Central MP called on Ghanaians to put national development ahead of partisan politics and demand accountability from all political parties.
He said the country would make greater progress if leaders focused on completing critical projects and delivering results rather than engaging in political point-scoring.
By: Jacob Aggrey
