The University for Development Studies (UDS) reinforced its commitment to fostering national dialogue and addressing societal challenges by hosting a public forum on the theme “Media for Social Transformation in the Age of Disinformation” on November 23, 2024. The event, held at the Dr. Andani Andan Academic Board Chamber, drew over 150 participants, including students, media professionals, civil society actors, and traditional leaders, to discuss strategies for countering misinformation during Ghana’s 2024 elections.

Organized by the Faculty of Communication and Media Studies, the dialogue underscored UDS’s role as a catalyst for ethical journalism, civic engagement, and social transformation. The program featured distinguished panelists, including Prof. Amin Alhassan, Director-General of the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation; Dr. Wunpini Fatimata Mohammed, Assistant Professor of Communication at Cornell University; and Alhaji Ibrahim-Tanko Amidu, Executive Director of the STAR-Ghana Foundation.

Tackling Disinformation and Promoting Ethical Journalism

In his opening remarks, Dr. Abdulai Muhammed, Head of the Department of Communication, Innovation, and Technology, stressed the critical importance of responsible media practices, particularly during an election year. He highlighted UDS’s unique position as a platform for shaping national discourse on ethical media practices and informed citizenship.

The panel discussion delved into issues such as media literacy, ethical journalism, and the transformative power of communication in sustaining peace. Prof. Amin Alhassan emphasized the danger posed by unregulated social media content, noting, “Journalists must act as mediators in Ghana’s democracy, bridging the state, private sector, and civil society. However, the proliferation of fake news undermines this essential role.” He further cautioned citizens, stating, “The responsibility to verify information lies not only with journalists but also with the citizens who consume it. For Ghana’s democracy to thrive, the public must hold media organizations accountable and reject disinformation.”

Dr. Wunpini Mohammed added, “Fake news presents a significant threat to electoral integrity. Both journalists and citizens must embrace media literacy to effectively counter this challenge.”

Alhaji Ibrahim-Tanko Amidu reflected on Ghana’s broader developmental struggles, remarking, “Decades after independence, we still face challenges rooted in our history. Elections should not be seen as a do-or-die affair but as one step in a broader process of social transformation.”

UDS: A Driver of National Development

The event aligns with UDS’s mission to provide community-centered, pro-poor solutions to Ghana’s development challenges. By hosting this forum, UDS reaffirmed its position as a leader in Ghana’s higher education sector, fostering critical discussions that influence national governance and social cohesion.

Participants, including students from UDS and Tamale Technical University, contributed actively to the conversation during an open forum. Concerns raised included media polarization and the need to promote local language broadcasting as a tool for inclusivity and education.

The program concluded with a collective call to action, urging journalists, civil society organizations, and traditional leaders to collaborate in combating disinformation and ensuring peaceful elections in Ghana.

Story by:
Sumaila Mohammed (UDS Media)