Dwumfour Opens GJA /Spanish Embassy Disinformation and Fact-checking Training For Journalists


The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), in collaboration with the Spanish Embassy and Casa África, opened an advanced course on disinformation and fact-checking for journalists covering the 2024 elections. Held on Wednesday, November 13, 2024, the course brought together journalists from across Ghana to equip them with tools to identify and counter misinformation during this critical election period.


Addressing participants, GJA President Albert Dwumfour emphasized the media’s role in ensuring that Ghanaians receive accurate and reliable information to make informed choices at the polls. “As journalists, we are the gatekeepers of information,” he stated. “It is our duty to verify facts and debunk false claims to promote transparency, accountability, and informed decision-making.” Dwumfour cautioned journalists to be vigilant against sources with vested interests and urged them to use reputable fact-checking resources to avoid inadvertently spreading disinformation.


The GJA president highlighted Ghana’s strategic efforts to enhance journalists' skills through collaborations with international partners, including the US Embassy, the Electoral Commission, and, most recently, the Spanish Embassy. He underscored the importance of this training in building a well-prepared media force to handle the challenges posed by disinformation and misinformation, especially in the digital era where rumors and falsehoods can spread rapidly.


Spanish Ambassador to Ghana Ángel Lossada-Torres Quevedo underscored the Embassy’s commitment to supporting free speech and journalistic integrity. “The spread of fake news is a real threat to democracy, which relies on truthful information,” he said. Ambassador Lossada-Torres also highlighted the importance of media as a pillar of freedom and reaffirmed Spain's dedication to supporting Ghanaian journalists in their mission to provide accurate and balanced coverage throughout the election period.


The advanced course also featured contributions from experienced international fact-checkers, including María G. Dionis, Laura Del Río of Maldita.es, and Ghanaian media professionals such as Kwaku Krobea Asante and Anthony Bells Kafui Kanyi, who shared insights on identifying and countering misinformation.


The GJA expressed appreciation to the Spanish Embassy, Casa África, and Maldita.es for their commitment to strengthening Ghana’s democracy, with hopes for continued collaboration in the future.







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