Media personality Bridget Otoo has cautioned Ghanaians, especially media personnel, to verify information before publishing, as misinformation is spreading rapidly.
Taking to her X account, she urged, “Please be careful; with a few weeks to elections, people you trust will send you materials that are fake, and you may publish without verifying because in your mind, ‘my friend won’t send me fake news.’” ‘’I’ve been a victim. In the end, I had eggs on my face’’.
Her comments come in the wake of reports regarding the health of Nana Bediatuo Asante, the Executive Secretary to President Nana Akufo-Addo. On October 1, 2024, multiple claims circulated, stating that Bediatuo had been unwell and had undergone brain surgery.
Some reports falsely claimed he had passed away without providing any details about the circumstances.
Later that evening, it was clarified that Bediatuo had not died but had suffered a massive stroke in the U.S., where he was undergoing medical treatment.
Reports indicated that he underwent a 10-hour brain surgery in New York after his health deteriorated while attending the United Nations (UN) General Assembly with the President.
Social media platforms, including WhatsApp and Facebook, were flooded with alarming claims about Jubilee House, with messages stating, “Breaking news: the Ambassador-at-Large and Executive Secretary to the President is not in good shape right now. All prayers are needed.”
Others ominously wrote about a “big man” who was reportedly in critical condition.
Please be careful,; with few weeks to elections, people you hold in “trust” will send you materials which are fake and will publish without verifying cos in your mind “my friend won’t send me fake news” .
I’ve been a victim. In the end, I had eggs on my face. #2024Elections
— Bee (@Bridget_Otoo) October 7, 2024
