The British High Commissioner to Ghana, Harriet Thompson, has shed light on her approach to handling misreporting, particularly regarding her earlier remarks on the potential for unrest in Ghana's 2024 elections. Speaking at a media soiree on January 9, 2025, Thompson emphasized that her office prioritizes diplomacy over engaging with widespread misrepresentations.
In November 2024, Thompson expressed concerns about the upcoming elections, citing fears raised by local leaders and citizens. She warned that an election marred by unrest would harm Ghana's democratic reputation and pose dangers to those directly involved. However, her remarks were misreported, leading to widespread discussions and speculation.
Thompson explained that her office chose not to react publicly to the misreporting, as it is a common occurrence that rarely warrants a response. "There's a fairly high chance of misrepresentation somewhere," she said. "Engaging with every misreported comment would be counterproductive."
Instead, Thompson's office focuses on substantive diplomatic work, prioritizing Ghana's democratic journey over addressing every instance of misinformation. "If we were to delve down all those rabbit holes, we wouldn't do anything else," she remarked.
Thompson highlighted a rare instance where her office intervened to correct a misleading headline. However, even in that case, the intervention was an exception rather than the rule. Her communication team follows a similar strategy in Ghana and the UK, choosing not to respond unless the situation is critical.
Despite the misrepresentation, Thompson's original remarks aimed to encourage vigilance and proactive measures to ensure peaceful elections in Ghana. She reiterated her office's commitment to supporting Ghana's democratic journey, emphasizing the importance of diplomacy in maintaining a strong relationship between the UK and Ghana.
Thompson's approach to handling misreporting serves as a testament to the British High Commission's commitment to prioritizing diplomacy and substantive work over engaging with misinformation. As Ghana prepares for its 2024 elections, the High Commission's focus on supporting the country's democratic journey remains unwavering.
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