Ghanaian celebrities and news presenters have been falsely portrayed in AI-generated videos endorsing products they do not own. This manipulated media, known as deepfakes, includes dancehall artiste Shatta Wale appearing to promote a gaming application called “Bangbet” in May 2026.
Television newsreader Eric Mawuena Egbeta also featured in a manipulated broadcast promoting the same app. Another incident involved Joy News presenter Fostina Sarfo, who appeared in a deepfake video endorsing a gaming app named “Chicken Road.” These cases highlight the increasing sophistication of AI in creating convincing but false content, impacting public figures and potentially deceiving consumers.
These deepfake incidents are part of a broader trend of AI-driven misinformation spreading globally and within Ghana’s digital landscape. The ease and low cost of producing realistic fake content threaten the integrity of public information and consumer trust. Ghana’s digital economy is particularly vulnerable given the rapid adoption of social media and the internet, where such content can quickly go viral.
Winifred Lartey, a Fact-checking Consultant with DUBAWA Ghana, stated, “AI has made false information cheaper, faster, and even more convincing to produce.” Ms. Lartey emphasized that while old fabricated images were often easy to spot, today’s AI-generated videos are highly realistic. This makes it challenging for the public to discern genuine content from manufactured falsehoods.
The rise of deepfakes requires an urgent policy response from Ghanaian regulators and enforcement agencies. Lawmakers need to consider specific legislation addressing AI-generated content beyond existing cybercrime laws. Individuals must also exercise caution and critical thinking before sharing information, especially content that appears shocking or highly emotional.
Currently, Ghana lacks a standalone law specifically regulating artificial intelligence. The existing Cybersecurity Act, 2020 (Act 1038), addresses impersonation and fraud. While this act can apply to AI-assisted crimes like voice cloning and manipulated videos, it does not directly regulate AI technology itself.
Other countries have adopted various approaches to regulate AI. China requires AI-generated content to be labelled through its Interim Measures for Generative AI Services. The United States employs executive orders and the Federal Trade Commission to address AI risks. The United Kingdom uses its Online Safety Act, while Canada’s proposed Artificial Intelligence and Data Act aims to regulate high-impact AI systems. These examples provide a blueprint for Ghana to consider in developing its own regulatory framework.
The Ghana Police Service is actively working to address these issues. In May 2026, police arrested eleven individuals, including Nigerian nationals, for disseminating a deepfake video of President Mahama on social media. This demonstrates an effort to prosecute offenders under existing laws, despite the absence of specific AI legislation.
Fact-checker Winifred Lartey suggests that while AI itself cannot be regulated, its use can be controlled. She advises individuals to pause before sharing content, especially if it seems suspicious. Users should ask simple questions like “Who posted it?” and “Is it from a credible source?” Ms. Lartey believes everyone needs to act as a gatekeeper to responsibly reduce the spread of misinformation.