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. This fact-checking service aims at improving democratic accountability and enhancing political discourse. Issues regarding politicians, political parties and Ghana’s 2016 elections is being monitored by Penplusbytes Elections System and periodic statement will be issued. In this issue we focus on events that happened during the period of 18th – 31st July, 2016.
Fact checked issues:
ISSUE 1: Former President J.J Rawlings allegedly criticizes persons signing a petition to compel President Mahama to pardon the three Montie FM contemnors suggesting they need mental evaluation
FACT-CHECKED ISSUE 1:
Source: This is a Misinformation. Smithrise.com is a spoof/parody website hence their contents are only works of fiction and constitute fake news. The Ex-President has also come out to refute the claim.
ISSUE 2: “Nana Akufo-Addo is Ungrateful – Kweku Baako” (Nana Akufo Addo is the leader of the biggest opposition New Patriotic Party in Ghana)
Source: Kwamena Adu-Mantey (PhD), Investigative Journalist, /Ghanapoliticsonline.com
FACT-CHECKED ISSUE 2: This is a Misinformation. Baako denies ungrateful Nana Addo statement. Abdul Malik Kweku Baako, has denied the claims.
Source: Citifmonline.com
ISSUE 3: The Electoral Commission of Ghana fires two officials for allegedly verifying Bawumia (The Running Mate of the Flagbearer of the biggest opposition NPP) at residence
Source: www.citifmonline.com
FACT-CHECKED ISSUE 3: I was never verified in my family house - Dr. Bawumia: ultimatefmonline.com
ISSUE 4: “NPP's alleged memo containing their communication strategy to upset the NDC”
Source: Social Media (WhatsApp)
FACT-CHECKED ISSUE 4: This is a Misinformation. The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has denied the allegation. Nana Akomea, the Communications Director of NPP stated that the features of the alleged Memo is different from their standard Memos for such purposes.
Source:
ISSUE 5: The New Patriotic Party (NPP) allegedly using the image of Former President and Founder of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Jerry John Rawlings on their campaign posters.
FACT-CHECKED ISSUE: This is a misrepresentation and the Former President has issued a statement cautioning those responsible to desist from such unethical practice at this crucial period
Definition of Problem Types
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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-humanized and often encourages taking violent action against that groups.
Source: NDI
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Polarizing 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
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Misinformation (Distorted facts, Falsehoods, Exaggerations.):
False or incorrect information, spread intentionally (without realizing it is untrue) or unintentionally in order to deceive.
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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)
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