President of Ghana Bloggers Association, Andre Mustapha Nii Okai Inusah, popularly known as Attractive Mustapha, has called for urgent training and support for Ghanaian bloggers ahead of the December 7th elections.
Speaking on Max FM’s drive show with host Koda, Attractive Mustapha emphasized that investment in training bloggers could help reduce the growing issue of misinformation, which might affect the credibility of the upcoming elections.
He stated that while the internet and blogging space have become the “new gold” in the digital era, the rise of misinformation, particularly in the lead-up to national elections, is a significant concern. “The high rate of misinformation is something that needs to be addressed, especially as we head towards the December elections,” he explained.
Attractive Mustapha highlighted that while various organizations are working to curb misinformation in Ghana’s media landscape, more needs to be done, particularly for bloggers.
He pointed out that many bloggers do not receive the same level of professional training as mainstream journalists, which often leads to a higher rate of misinformation in the blogging space.
“I’ve participated in many training sessions for mainstream journalists, and I’ve realized that bloggers are often excluded from these opportunities. Unfortunately, bloggers now have a broader reach than traditional media, which means they have a greater responsibility in ensuring the accuracy of information,” he said.
He further stressed the importance of addressing misinformation to maintain peace, strengthen democracy, protect national unity, and enhance Ghana’s international reputation before and after the elections. “If we want to enjoy peace and stability, strengthen our democracy, and protect national trust, misinformation must be tackled head-on,” he added.
Attractive Mustapha also called for enhanced support for bloggers w technical resources, financial backing, and partnerships with media organisations to ensure that they are well-equipped to provide accurate and balanced information during the election period. “With the right support and training, bloggers can become key players in promoting credible information and safeguarding the integrity of the elections,” he concluded.
Source: peacefmonline.com
