Fake news is a growing menace that poses a serious threat to the security and development of Ghana and Korea, according to officials from both countries. The two nations have agreed to develop a strategic partnership to curb the spread of misinformation and disinformation, especially in the wake of the 2020 elections in Ghana and the 2022 presidential election in Korea.
The agreement was reached when the Minister of Information, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, received the Secretary General of the Korean National Commission for UNESCO, Kyung-Koo Han, in his office on Wednesday. They discussed collaborative efforts to tackle the rising tide of false and misleading information that is increasingly becoming one of the major challenges confronting the world today.
This comes on the back of a recent national conference on disinformation and misinformation in Ghana, where a seven-point communique was collectively agreed upon by political parties, civil society organizations, media representatives, and development partners. The plan, currently in development, is slated to be finalized by the end of the year and will incorporate a variety of strategies including maintaining ethical standards in media, encouraging fact-checking in public conversations, supporting high-quality journalism, and promoting civic education.
The Minister of Information expressed delight over the longstanding diplomatic ties between Ghana and Korea, which date back to 1977. He said the two countries have a lot to learn from each other in terms of best practices and experiences in dealing with the fake news phenomenon. He also assured the Korean delegation of a strong collaboration, ensuring both countries reap the benefits of this enduring relationship, particularly in areas of mutual interest such as education and culture.
The Secretary General of the Korean National Commission for UNESCO also praised the cordial relations between the two countries and cited some of the youth-centered Korean programs that aim to help young people develop insights and skills needed to bridge the gaps between people of divergent cultural heritages by fostering greater intercultural awareness and understanding. He said there are ongoing talks for Ghana’s potential hosting of the Documentary Heritage Workshop in a move that will further strengthen the country’s efforts to archive its heritage materials.
The fight against fake news is a global challenge that requires collective action and cooperation among all stakeholders. Ghana and Korea have shown their commitment and leadership in this regard by forging a strategic partnership that will enhance their capacities and resilience in the face of this threat. By working together, they hope to create a more informed and engaged citizenry that will contribute to the peace and democratic consolidation of their respective countries.
Source: Prime News Ghana
