As part of efforts to address the growing challenge of disinformation and misinformation which can undermine democratic institutions, social cohesion and effective leadership, the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung (KAS) Ghana Office in collaboration with the National Queen Mothers Ghana, Central Region chapter has organized a workshop for Queen Mothers in the region.

The 6th Annual Queen Mothers workshop was on the theme “Combating Disinformation and Misinformation: The Role of Queen Mothers in Ensuring Good Governance “

In her welcome address, the host for the conference, the Paramount Queen Mother of the Denkyira Traditional Area, Nana Ama Ayensua Saara III expressed her gratitude to the organizers, KAS Ghana for such an important program geared towards equipping Queen Mothers with the requisite knowledge in combating disinformation and misinformation.

“I am particularly grateful to our development partners KAS and the resource personnel for agreeing to come and take us through this workshop aimed at equipping us in our bid to combat disinformation and misinformation in our localities”, she stated.

Speaking at the gathering, the Country Representative for Konrad Adenauer Stiftung, Ghana Office Ms. Anna Lena Sabroso- Wasserfall highlighted the threat that disinformation and misinformation pose to the peace and stability of the society and why they had organized such a workshop for the Queen Mothers.

“We regard Queen Mothers as very important actors in this context because they have the hearts and ears of the community. With technology on the rise, the spread of information is at a very rapid pace, it is imperative we have the knowledge to assert valid information," She said.

"As trusted and respected voices within their communities, and as misinformation is increasingly shaping the public discourse and decision making, we believe that Queen Mothers can serve as advocates for informed citizenry, protectors of social stability and champions of fact-based governance,” she added.

Dr. James Kwabena Bomfeh Jnr who was the Facilitator for the workshop, challenged the Queen Mothers to ensure they take part in the governance system of the country

“Looking at the crucial role of Queen Mothers as matriarchs, even in selecting chiefs, this workshop for them would go a long way to penetrate the wider sphere of society. As they impact their individual communities, their districts, their townships and their regions, it would definitely manifest in our national affairs.

Especially as they also go to discuss these with the chiefs and traditional authorities in general, they would be having a place in the conversations that would be taking place with regards to the national governance of our country.
That is why I have challenged them to take up the matter of their removal from the national dialogue under the pretext that chiefs don’t do politics, their office is political”, he said.

The President of the Bono Regional Queen Mothers Association Nana Yaa Ansua elaborated on the importance of such a program for them.

“The theme chosen is so befitting to this particular program because knowledge is power. Combating disinformation and misinformation and enhancing the knowledge of Queen Mothers can trigger even the installation of chiefs, Queen mothers and I think it is very important.

The Queen Mothers are so happy, it was really a very interactive training that sunk down into the mindset of people and they would disseminate the information which would help in governance as a whole,” she said.

The Konrad Adenauer Stiftung (KAS) is a political foundation based in Germany whose mission is to promote democracy, the rule of law, social market economy, and human rights worldwide.
Established in 1955 and has since expanded its activities to over 120 countries around the world.