In December 2024, Ghana once again stood at the democratic crossroads, with citizens heading to the polls to choose their leaders. Known for its relatively stable electoral history and vibrant civic culture, Ghana remains a beacon of democracy in West Africa. But as with many democracies worldwide, the integrity of its electoral process is increasingly being challenged; not just by logistical hurdles, but by a more elusive threat: misinformation.
Our team, Civic Hive, was on the ground during the elections. We not only observed the process firsthand but also conducted a focused research project on the role of misinformation in shaping electoral perceptions and outcomes. What we found was both eye-opening and urgent.
- A Well-Organized Vote, Shadowed by Digital Deceit
Ghana’s Electoral Commission made commendable efforts to organize a peaceful and transparent election. Polling materials were delivered on time in most regions, and security presence was visible yet non-intrusive. Voter turnout, while slightly lower than previous years, reflected consistent civic engagement.
However, behind the scenes; and screens, a parallel contest was unfolding online. From Facebook posts to WhatsApp forwards, misinformation thrived. Unverified claims about rigged ballot boxes, manipulated results, and false endorsements were shared widely, sometimes even by otherwise trusted community figures. Much of this content appeared coordinated, though it remained difficult to trace origins.
- Who’s Spreading Misinformation—and Why?
Our research revealed that misinformation wasn’t just accidental or spontaneous. In many cases, it was strategically deployed. Political party affiliates, anonymous accounts, and pseudo-media platforms all played a role. The motivations ranged from sowing distrust in institutions to inflaming ethnic tensions or discouraging voter turnout in certain areas.
Interestingly, many Ghanaians we spoke to were aware that misinformation was circulating—but not everyone felt equipped to identify or challenge it. This is where civic education, media literacy, and proactive fact-checking need to step up.
- The Need for a Multi-Stakeholder Response
Misinformation isn’t a problem that tech platforms or electoral commissions can solve alone. Our experience in Ghana reinforced the importance of a coordinated response involving civil society organizations, the media, digital platforms, and citizens themselves.
Civic Hive’s presence in Ghana, supported by local partners and volunteers, allowed us to observe narratives in real-time and respond with verified information. But the work doesn’t end after elections. There’s an ongoing need to invest in digital literacy, build fact-checking networks, and hold online platforms accountable for the spread of falsehoods.
- A Lesson for the Region
Ghana’s experience serves as both a warning and a model for other democracies in West Africa. While institutions hold strong, the threat of digital manipulation remains very real. As more citizens turn to social media for political information, the stakes only get higher.
At Civic Hive, we believe in the power of open data, informed citizens, and transparent governance. Our engagement in Ghana’s 2024 elections is part of a broader commitment to safeguarding democracy—not just at the ballot box, but across every platform where public opinion is shaped.
- What’s Next?
Moving forward, we plan to deepen our work in electoral research, misinformation monitoring, and civic education; building on the insights gained from Ghana. We also aim to collaborate with regional and international partners to ensure that the lessons learned here can inform broader democratic efforts across Africa. Because democracy isn’t just about voting. It’s about truth, trust, and the technology that connects us all.
You can read more about our research work here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1HbP3OEJgQTzkkQOyjG-Aply-udRfh4aJ/view