We must remove fake news from the media space

General news for Sunday, October 25, 2020

Source: GNA

2020-10-25

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has called for the removal of fake news from the media space.

Fake news, he said, “is not only alarming but represents a serious threat and danger to the very fabric of society.”

Speaking at the 70th anniversary of the Graphic Communications Group Limited (GCGL) dance in Accra on Saturday, the president noted that although technological advancement had brought several improvements to the speed at which news reached the world, this had also generated ‘ fake news’, which presents clear dangers that need to be addressed.

“It’s great that we no longer have to wait until tomorrow morning to find out what happened yesterday, thanks to technology. But again, thanks to technology, we now have the phenomenon of people fabricating totally false or false stories that are easily made. go through news, “he said.

President Akufo-Addo stressed that the development is not only alarming, but “also represents a serious threat and danger to the very fabric of our society.”

“We must all make a concerted effort to eliminate this phenomenon from our media space. Although difficult, the health of the nation requires that we succeed,” he said.

The Ball is part of the year-long activities marking the 70th anniversary of the Graphic Communications Group.

The celebration takes place on the theme: “Seven decades of influence on national development and brand building.”

The president noted that for many Ghanaians, Graphic was the official newspaper or gazette as it is used to refer to any hot drink.

“The graphic has been a dominant part of our lives as the nation’s dominant and authoritative source of news … In this age of social media and multiple news sources, it is tempting to underestimate the powerful role the graphic played in criticism. first years in the country, “he said

President Akufo-Addo claimed that Graphic made a name for itself as a newspaper that was afraid to tell the truth and held the authorities to account.

“Graphic’s record of independent speech tells us that state media need not be a propaganda tool for the ruling government,” he said.

The president said that due to the credibility of the Graphic brand, it was not surprising that regular attempts were made to post fake stories on websites that are deliberately set to look like Graphic’s official website.

“I hope Graphic will resist the temptation to join the rush to be first on the news and end up giving credit to false and malicious stories.

“If you go down that road, future generations will not ask if it’s on the Chart, a sign of authenticity or say I read it on the Chart as the final words of all conversations and the end of all arguments,” he said.

He commended The Daily Graphic for the efforts and advocacy role in helping the people of Ghana be aware of the steps his administration is taking to stop the coronavirus pandemic.

“Your efforts have been a welcome compliment to those in the government, as you and the electronic media have provided me with the channel through which my Sunday broadcasts on steps being taken to defeat the pandemic have reached Ghanaians.” the president noted.