FACT CHECKING GHANA’S 2016 ELECTIONS

In order to contribute to an issue based elections especially in providing citizens and stakeholders with concrete facts and evidence to guide their decision making process, Penplusbytes, under its African Elections Project (www.africanelections.org/ghana), is providing a valuable elections fact checking service. There is no doubt that, fact-checking plays an essential role in improving democratic accountability and enhancing political discourse. Issues regarding politicians, political parties and Ghana’s 2016 elections will be monitored by Penplusbytes Elections System and periodic statement issued. For our first issue, Ghana Elections 2016 presents our fact-checked issues for the period 4^th – 15^th July, 2016.

Fact checked issues:

ISSUE 1: “[President Mahama] has built only five (5) [out of the] 200 community senior high schools in the country.”- Akuffo Addo

Source: Citifmonline.com 

FACT-CHECKED ISSUE 1:

Source: This is a Misinformation. Reverend Jonathan Betty of the Public Relations unit of the Ghana Education Service (GES), told the monitoring team  8 of the Community Day SHS have been commissioned while more have been built and yet to be commissioned.

ISSUE 2: Government re-introduction of subsidies for consumers of electricity - Deputy Power Minister

Source: Citifmonline.com

FACT-CHECKED ISSUE 2: This is a Misinformation. The Ministry of Power clarified that it was not a subsidy but a re-alignment

Source: Citifmonline.com

ISSUE 3: “Health handlers place Nana [Addo] under ‘house arrest’…He can’t move out after 5pm on health grounds.

Source: The Enquirer

FACT-CHECKED ISSUE 3: This is a Misinformation. Akufo Addo and NPP has denied the allegation.

Source: Kasapafmonline.com & Starrfmonline.com

ISSUE 4: NDC parliamentary candidate urges ‘skirt and blouse’ voting

Source: Thelead.com.gh & Peacefmonline.com

FACT-CHECKED ISSUE 4: This is a Misinformation. Sophia Karen Ackuaku, who is said to have urged “skirt and blouse voting” has denied the allegations.  

Source: Citifmonline.com & Rainbowradio.com

Definition of Problem Types

Hate Speech: This includes the use of any derogatory or intimidating words slurs against a person or group. Hate speech has malicious undertones and can encourage discrimination and/or violence against a person or group, often evoking intolerance. It typically includes a ‘target’ minority that is de-humanised and often encourages taking violent action against that groups. Source: NDI

Polarising or Inflammatory Language: Intentionally divisive rhetoric that promotes extremism. Individuals/Media that takes radical sides on issues or events and does not allow for moderate discussion can be polarizing. Language that encourage actions or intentionally stirs up fanatical emotions could be considered inflammatory. This type of rhetoric does not seek peaceful compromises or constructive resolutions and instead draws stark partition among people. Source: NDI

Misinformation (Distorted facts, Falsehoods, Exaggerations.): False or incorrect information, spread intentionally (without realizing it is untrue) or unintentionally in order to deceive.

The ultimate aim of this exercise is to educate and inform the electorate so they make informed choices at the polls, and to encourage politicians to make realistic promises and campaign on policy issues. Ghana Elections 2016 fact checking service is being implemented by www.penplusbytes.org with funding from National Endowment for Democracy (www.ned.org)

A SERVICE BY @PENPLUSBYTES’ African Elections Project (AEP)