Penplusbytes has launched the Ghana Anti-Disinformation Coalition Project to tackle the growing spread of misinformation and disinformation in the country, bringing together key stakeholders to protect public discourse and strengthen Ghana’s information ecosystem.
The initiative, supported by the Government of Norway, was unveiled on April 22, 2026, at the Ghana-India Kofi Annan ICT Centre of Excellence, marking the start of a three-year nationally coordinated effort to address the rising threat of false information.
As part of the launch, over 300 young people from junior high schools, senior high schools and tertiary institutions in Accra participated in a seminar focused on misinformation and online safety.
Organised by Discovery Teen Magazine and Foundation, the session equipped participants with practical skills to identify fake news, assess online content critically and adopt responsible digital behaviour.
The seminar, held under the theme “Fake News. Real Consequences. Empowering Young Minds to Combat Misinformation and Stay Safe Online,” also examined the emotional and social impact of misinformation, encouraging participants to make informed decisions in the digital space.
The coalition project will focus on three key areas: advancing research on disinformation and language use in Ghana, developing a multilingual, AI-driven fact-checking system, and strengthening community capacity by empowering youth and local media as trusted sources of accurate information.
Member of Parliament for Klottey Korle, Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, who delivered a keynote address at the event, also warned against the growing misuse of digital platforms, particularly the sharing of intimate images without consent.
She stressed that taking, keeping or distributing such images is a criminal offence under Ghanaian law, cautioning that even forwarding such content could lead to prosecution.
Dr. Agyeman-Rawlings further called for a shift in how women’s empowerment is approached, noting that constant emphasis on “firsts” for women reflects a lack of real progress toward equality.
Deputy Ambassador of Norway to Ghana, Ingrid Skjølaas, underscored the urgency of the initiative, noting that while disinformation is not new, its speed, scale and intensity have significantly increased in the digital age.
She said the partnership with Penplusbytes reflects a shared commitment to ensuring that information strengthens society rather than undermines democratic values.
The launch comes at a time of growing concern about the impact of misinformation on public trust, civic engagement and decision-making, particularly among young people who are increasingly active online.
