Election 2024: Youth leaders cautioned about Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference

With less than 100 days to Ghana’s pivotal 2024 general elections, a new and alarming threat to the country’s peace has emerged: Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference (FIMI).

This phenomenon, characterized by deliberate efforts by both state and non-state actors to distort information, poses a significant risk to Ghana’s democratic stability.

George Sarpong, Executive Secretary of the National Media Commission, addressed youth leaders from various political parties, highlighting the growing danger of FIMI. According to Sarpong, FIMI involves the intentional manipulation of information, taken out of context, which makes it exceptionally challenging to identify and counteract.

Sarpong explained that FIMI aims to destabilize democratic institutions by employing three primary strategies:

1. Gaslighting Intellectuals: Discrediting and confusing thought leaders to undermine their credibility.
2. Weaponizing Ego Explosion: Amplifying content that inflames personal egos to create division.
3. Exploiting Nationalism: Using patriotic sentiments to polarize the populace and erode national unity.

These tactics target key institutions such as the National Peace Council, Electoral Commission, NCCE, as well as church and traditional leaders, with the objective of diminishing their influence and creating societal discord.

“FIMI does not produce fake content but rather manipulates authentic information to fit their narrative,” Sarpong said. “They use algorithms to amplify controversial materials that can incite conflict and undermine the institutions designed to manage such conflicts.”

Sarpong cited recent examples where FIMI tactics were employed against prominent figures such as the Asantehene, Archbishop Duncan Williams, and Pastor Mensah Otabil and many others.

He emphasized the difficulty in combating FIMI, noting that manipulated criticisms can easily go viral and be mistaken for genuine discourse, thereby contributing to the destabilization of the nation.

“This manipulation can be so subtle that people may not realize their communications strategy is being hijacked to harm national unity,” Sarpong warned.

As Ghana approaches its crucial election, it is imperative for all stakeholders to remain vigilant and informed about the threats posed by FIMI, ensuring that the integrity of the democratic process is preserved.

Source:onuaonline.com