South Africa’s public broadcaster, the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC), has apologized for falsely reporting that Ghana has recorded 2,300 Ebola cases and 930 deaths from the disease.
The report, which appeared on SABC’s news ticker, incorrectly suggested that Ebola infections were increasing in Ghana, forcing consumers to reduce their consumption of fresh produce.
The reports prompted the Ghana Health Service has stated that Ghana has recorded no case of Ebola and has not experienced any deaths linked to the disease.
The false report raised concerns over the accuracy of the information published by the broadcaster, with questions being asked about whether it was a result of a serious journalistic error or a deliberate attempt to create public alarm and damage Ghana’s reputation with some linking it to recent diplomatic row between Pretoria and Accra over the ongoing xenophobic attacks which has claimed the life of a Ghanaian.
A Ghanaian citizen, Joe Anim, was among the first to draw attention to the report, describing it as irresponsible.
“SABC is falsely reporting on their news ticker that Ghana has recorded Ebola cases and that infections are rising. This is not merely irresponsible journalism; I believe it’s deliberate and malicious. Government should take them on,” he said.
The development comes at a time when accurate communication on infectious diseases remains critical, as misinformation can trigger unnecessary panic, affect public confidence and harm economic activities.
In a live broadcast the SABC offered the apology reiterating Ghana’s rejoinder no case of Ebola has been recorded in the country.
