During a joint service that capped a week‑long Breakthrough Conference in Accra, Archbishop Dr Charles Agyinasare cautioned Ghanaians against normalising information disorder through the circulation of unverified allegations, threats and personal attacks on social media.
He condemned the growing acceptance of abusive language and vulgarity in public discourse, saying citizens could demand accountability and expose corruption without attacking the dignity of others. “You can expose corruption without insulting people’s humanity,” he said, urging Ghanaians to uphold decency and mutual respect in their use of digital platforms.
Archbishop Agyinasare noted that the widespread use of smartphones and digital platforms had democratised broadcasting but had also increased the risk of spreading falsehoods, damaging reputations and deepening abusive public discourse. He warned that unverified claims circulated online could quickly gain traction and become accepted as truth if left unchallenged.
He urged Christians to ensure that their speech reflected their faith and advised social media users to apply a four‑fold test before posting content: “Is it true? Have I established the facts? Is it gracious? Can I say it without humiliating someone?” Drawing lessons from Matthew 13:35, Ephesians 5:4 and Colossians 4:6, he reminded believers that every person was created in the image of God and deserves to be treated with dignity, regardless of differences in opinion.
Archbishop Agyinasare concluded that the ease with which information could be published and shared places a greater responsibility on users to verify facts before posting, commenting on or circulating content. “We live in the age of the microphone,” he declared, adding that instant global reach came with the responsibility to ensure that information shared was truthful and responsible.
He urged Ghanaians to harness their digital influence responsibly by using their platforms to promote truth, elevate public discourse and contribute to a more respectful society.
