Stop using social media to spread falsehood – John Mahama

President John Dramani Mahama has expressed worry about the extent to which critics use social media to create and spread what he calls falsehood.

According to him, although social media presents so many opportunities that can be taken advantage of, some Ghanaians are rather using it to “create and spread falsehood.”

“I love the new wave of social media because of my love for freedom of expression. It allows us to get in touch with each other more easily, to receive and spread information, and co-ordinate among ourselves without having to rely on already existing organizations. Through social media, we all get a voice in our democratic conversation.”

“Like any other type of freedom, however, some use it to create and spread falsehood. While I do love creativity, I don’t think this is the most useful way to be creating false realities. It’s a waste of time and energy,” said the President.

President Mahama who believes most of the criticisms on social media are not backed with evidence, emphasized the need for Ghanaians to “check the facts, and let’s not destroy the opportunities presented by social media.”

The President’s comment comes days after he accused some critics of hiding behind social media to peddle inaccurate information about his government .

He complained that his appointees are always attacked on social media by anonymous account holders on social media, especially when issues of corruption are topical.

According to the President, people use corruption as political propaganda without backing their claims with facts.

By-Ghanaweb.com