9th Accra Technology Salon to discuss the impact of a potential social media ban during the 2016 Ghana elections

Accra - On August 23^rd 2016, Penplusbytes will host the 9th Accra Technology Salon at the New Media Hub, Osu on the topic: "Should Ghana ban social media on election day?”. The event is aimed at understanding the impact of a shutdown or otherwise of social media on elections in Ghana.
With discussions to be led by parties from the opposing ends of the trending debate including Supt. Cephas Arthur of the Ghana Police Service, Nehemiah Attigah of Blogging Ghana, Lloyd Evans of IFEJ and Kwami Ahiabenu II of Penplusbytes, the Technology Salon would attempt to answer questions on how social media bans in other countries impacted their elections, what the merits and demerits of a shutdown of social media on Election Day are, what options are available for security agencies to prevent or quell election violence incited via social media platforms and whether social media monitoring could be used to curb electoral violence and misinformation.

Since the Inspector General of Police, John Kudalor announced his intention to shutdown social media on the day of the 2016 elections in Ghana, civil society groups, political figures, the United Nations and individuals have given varied views on the proposed shutdown. The discussions have been loud with each of the sectors insisting on why their position is right. The Police Administration has particularly been urged to consider setting up a social media monitoring centre, to police social media activities on Election Day instead of a total ban.

The Tech Salon will for the first time bring the CSOs and the police administration together to try to understand the polarized positions and work out a solution, which will contribute to a peaceful and transparent election.

According to Kwami Ahiabenu II, the executive director of Penplusbytes, “A total ban of social media on election day would increase suspicions and create an information gap that can easily be filled with more misinformation and rumours. But it is important such implications are discussed critically.”  He added that the technology salon will provide the unique platform for such discussions.


About
Penplusbytes is a not-for-profit organization driving change through innovations in three key areas: using new digital technologies to enable good governance and accountability, new media and innovations, and driving oversight for effective utilisation of mining, oil and gas revenue and resources.

The Technology Salon™ is an intimate, informal, and in person, discussion between information and communication technology experts and international development professionals, with a focus on both:

• technology's impact on donor-sponsored technical assistance delivery, and
• private enterprise driven economic development, facilitated by technology.

RSVP Now: 9th Technology Salon Accra - Should Ghana Ban Social Media on Election Day?

RSVP now to join the next Technology Salon

Should Ghana Ban Social Media on Election Day? Accra, Ghana - August 23rd - RSVP Now In May and July 2016, the Ghana Police Service made known their intention to shut down social media in Ghana on the day of the general elections, since in their view, social media platforms are used as a tool for misinformation and often create unnecessary tension in the country. This intention was met with a backlash from a host of civil society organizations, key among which were Penplusbytes and Blogging Ghana who issued a statement that banning social media is an infringement on the constitutional rights of Ghanaians. In fact, Penplusbytes suggested that the Police Service embrace social media to improve engagement and information flows with the public. However, others argue that a ban on social media for a day will safeguard the country’s electoral process, and might be a welcome break from too much focus on people's mobile devices. Please RSVP now to join a lively debate at the next Technology Salon Accra where we'll seek answers to questions like: How has social media bans in other countries impacted their elections? What are the merits and demerits of a shutdown of social media on Election Day? What options are available for security agencies to prevent or quell election violence incited via social media platforms? Can social media monitoring be used to curb electoral violence and misinformation? Please RSVP now and let’s hear your thoughts and concerns with our key discussants from the opposing ends of this trending debate topic: Kwami Ahiabenu II, PenPlusBytes           Nehemiah Attigah, BloggingGhana Llyod Evans, IFEJ Ghana Superintendent Cephas Arthur, Ghana Police Service Please RSVP now to join them and your esteemed peers at the 9th Technology Salon Accra. We’ll have hot coffee and catered breakfast treats for a morning rush, but seating is limited. Once we reach our 30-person capacity there will be a waiting list! Social Media Election Bans 9th Technology Salon Accra. Thursday, March 10th, 2016 8:30am - 10:30 a.m. New Media Hub at Penplusbytes No.1 Ostwe Close, Ako Adjei, Osu, Accra, Ghana (map) RSVP is required for attendance     About the Technology Salon The Technology Salon™ is an intimate, informal, and in person, discussion between information and communication technology experts and international development professionals, with a focus on both: technology's impact on donor-sponsored technical assistance delivery, and private enterprise driven economic development, facilitated by technology. Our meetings are lively conversations, not boring presentations. Attendance is capped at 35 people - and frank participation with ideas, opinions, and predictions is actively encouraged. It's also a great opportunity to meet others motivated to employ technology to solve vexing development problems. Join us today!