The Cyber Security Authority has pledged to collaborate with technology providers to combat the spread of misinformation and disinformation online, particularly on social media platforms, ahead of the 2024 general elections.

The Authority highlighted that with the elections approaching, the nation is likely to encounter AI-driven misinformation campaigns due to the swift pace of digitalisation.

Speaking at the West African Regional CSIRTS Symposium in Accra, Dr Albert Antwi Boasiako, Director-General of the Cyber Security Authority, reaffirmed their commitment to addressing this issue.

Dr Boasiako stated, “The malicious act is a rational activity. Therefore, cyber-attack, a malicious act as seen in elections, there will be a pattern of cyber-attacks. We anticipate a lot more disinformation and misinformation forms of attacks happening. Processes are changing”.

He noted: “Criminals are innovating their process, and we’re likely to see AI-powered disinformation and misinformation campaigns. That makes it a little bit difficult for us, but we’re working with the tech providers – those who own the platform”.

“They also have mechanisms to attack us; so Facebook, Twitter, which is X and others. We’re engaging with them to ensure that as we get close to the elections, we will be able to detect and prevent some of those issues”.

Dr Boasiako also urged Ghanaians to critically evaluate the content they consume and underscored the media's role in ensuring free and fair elections.