Misinformation & Disinformation Pose Severe Threat To Ghana’s Economic Stability-BoG’s Otabil

According to a report by TV3Gh, on Monday October 26, 2026, the Director of Communications at the Bank of Ghana (BoG), Bernard Otabil, has warned that misinformation and disinformation remain serious threats to economic stability, calling for stronger commitment to ethical journalism and accurate financial reporting.

Mr Otabil stressed that the spread of false or misleading information about the economy could undermine public confidence, create unnecessary panic and influence decisions made by businesses, investors and ordinary citizens.

He underscored the critical role of responsible financial journalism in addressing the growing challenge, describing misinformation and disinformation as a severe global threat that requires collective action from journalists, financial institutions and other stakeholders.

Speaking to journalists at a workshop in Koforidua held from October 19 to 21, 2026, Mr Otabil emphasised the importance of equipping media practitioners with the knowledge and skills needed to report accurately on central banking, monetary policy and developments in the financial sector.

The training programme was organised to deepen journalists’ understanding of the Bank of Ghana’s operations and strengthen ethical standards in financial reporting.

It also formed part of the central bank’s broader efforts to improve communication between the institution and the media.

According to Mr Otabil, accurate reporting is essential to maintaining confidence in the economy, particularly when news about inflation, exchange rates and monetary policy can directly influence public expectations and financial decisions.

He cautioned that misleading headlines and inaccurate reports could have consequences beyond the media landscape, potentially triggering market anxiety and weakening trust in economic institutions.

Mr Otabil reiterated the Bank of Ghana’s call for credible, balanced and ethical journalism, urging reporters to ensure that information published about financial and economic developments is properly verified and presented within the appropriate context.

He noted that the responsibility of financial journalists extends beyond simply publishing information, as their work can influence how the public understands economic conditions and responds to policy decisions.

The BoG communications director also encouraged journalists to recognise the importance of explaining complex economic issues in ways that ordinary citizens can understand without distorting the facts.

In emphasising the need for responsible reporting, Mr Otabil stated that “the cedi is not just paper or coin, but trust.”

The statement highlights the importance of public confidence in the national currency and the wider financial system. Trust, he suggested, remains an important element of economic stability, making accuracy in financial reporting particularly significant.

Misinformation and disinformation have become increasingly challenging in the digital age, where unverified claims can spread rapidly through social media platforms and other online channels.

False reports about currencies, inflation or central bank decisions can reach large audiences before the information is adequately checked.

For this reason, Mr Otabil maintained that journalists must uphold professional standards and exercise caution when reporting on developments capable of influencing economic sentiment.

He also reaffirmed the Bank of Ghana’s commitment to strengthening its engagement with media organisations through continuous training programmes and stakeholder discussions designed to improve the quality of financial reporting.

The initiative is intended to help journalists develop a stronger understanding of central banking and communicate monetary and financial developments more effectively to the public.

Participants at the Koforidua workshop expressed appreciation to the Bank of Ghana for organising the programme, which sought to improve their understanding of economic reporting and the importance of ethical journalism.

The warning from Mr Otabil reinforces the need for media practitioners to prioritise verification, fairness and accuracy, particularly when covering issues that can affect public confidence and economic decision-making.

As Ghana continues to navigate developments in its financial and economic sectors, the Bank of Ghana’s position is that responsible journalism remains an important part of protecting trust and promoting informed public understanding.

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