Communications Minister-designate, Samuel Nartey George has assured Ghanaians that his administration will deal decisively with misinformation from the public, particularly some members on the Minority caucus in Parliament. The Ningo Prampram MP who is awaiting swearing-in by the President, in a post on X, February 5, responding to a user’s comment about fake news, said “It is a deliberate attempt by some members on the Minority to engage in active (dis) misinformation. That would be dealt with decisively going forward. Thanks.”
The account user expressed concern about fake news being amplified by members of parliament who are supposed to uphold the law. His concern comes on the back of a fake image shared on social media on Tuesday, February 4 few hours to Sam George’s approval. The image which has been edited and not true show the Ningo Prampram MP on his phone watching sexual content while in the House of Parliament.
The circulated fake image got to the attention of former Lands Minister, Samuel Abu Jinapor who further criticised the minister-designate on the floor of the House cautioning him to be mindful of what he watches while in Parliament.
Sam George subsequently posted the real image on his X account and clarified that the circulated image is fake. Apparently, the real image taken by TV3 shows the MP on his phone reading and replying to WhatsApp chat. However, some persons perceived to NPP apparatchiks edited the image to portray that the MP was watching explicit content while in the House.
Clarifying the fake news, Sam George said “I can assure them that the days of misinformation and cheap fabricated lies are coming to an end. The Ministry would tighten regulations on such illegal conducts of misinformation and disinformation in the coming weeks and sanitise our media space.”
It is clear to me that the NPP is so hurt by my nomination as Minister for Communications, Digital Technology and Innovations and would stop at nothing to fight it. “After failing to mobilise their own Caucus in Parliament to vote against my nomination, they have resorted to smear campaign and cheap lies with fake photos,” he added.
By: Raphael Ghartey
