As Ghana heads towards another crucial election season, Creatorthon is set to bring together creatives, influencers, and media personalities for a day of meaningful engagement, with a special focus on the upcoming elections.

In collaboration with the University of Ghana’s Department of Communication Studies, the event will spotlight the critical role media literacy plays in shaping informed and peaceful electoral participation.

With the theme "Influencing, Conscious Activism and Elections," Creatorthon aims to address the rising tide of misinformation, particularly during election periods, and how it affects the youth, especially those in peri-urban areas who are often vulnerable to political manipulation and violence.

Supported by the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives and Influencer Africa, Creatorthon will explore how Ghanaian content creators and influencers can use their platforms to promote critical thinking, counter misinformation, and advocate for peaceful elections.

The Role of Creatives in Shaping National Conversations

Creatorthon provides a unique opportunity for participants to engage with experts, share ideas, and network. Attendees will learn how to leverage their creativity and influence to address pressing national issues, such as illegal mining (galamsey) and political integrity, all while contributing to a peaceful electoral process.

Through panel discussions, community engagement, and media literacy training, participants will leave with a better understanding of their role in shaping informed electoral participation.

One of the key highlights of the event will be two panel discussions featuring media and information literacy (MIL) experts and social media influencers. These discussions will delve into the growing influence of creators in combating misinformation and driving civic engagement.

Media Literacy and Elections: A Crucial Intersection

Recognizing the dangers posed by the spread of misinformation, especially during election periods, the campaign emphasizes the importance of Media and Information Literacy (MIL).

By educating influencers and community information center operators on how to critically assess and share information, Creatorthon hopes to minimize the impact of false news and politically charged misinformation.

NDC's public education campaign, set to be rolled out in collaboration with community centers and media outlets, will be a cornerstone of this effort.

By equipping both influencers and local communicators with the tools to sift through biased information, the event seeks to empower Ghanaians with the knowledge needed to engage in fair and peaceful elections.

Who Should Attend?

The event will attract a wide range of participants, including social media influencers, content creators, media personalities, and key stakeholders in the media and communication sector. Attendees will gain invaluable insights on how to use their platforms responsibly during the election season.

Key participants:

• Social media influencers and content producers
• Media personalities and professionals
• Community information center operators
• Civic-minded creatives and activists

Objectives and Activities

The primary objective of Creatorthon is to contribute to peaceful elections by engaging influencers and content creators to:

• Facilitate networking and collaboration
• Encourage critical thinking in the consumption of election-related information
• Promote responsible sharing of content to foster peaceful elections
• Advocate for conscious activism that promotes peace and fairness

Activities throughout the event will include:

• Engagement with influencers to discuss their role in promoting peaceful elections
• Media literacy training for community information center operators
• Public education campaigns to reach broader audiences with key messages on electoral peace
• Community and media engagements to spread awareness of the importance of critical media consumption

A Call for Peaceful Elections

With misinformation posing a serious threat to democratic processes, Creatorthon is sending a clear message to Ghanaian youth and creatives: "Do not rush to accept, like, share, or act on information online." Instead, they urge participants to pause and reflect on their biases and ensure that the information they share is accurate and balanced.

The event’s launch on October 19th will serve as a rallying point for creatives across the country to unite and take responsibility for their role in shaping the electoral landscape. "By using your social media page responsibly, you contribute to ensuring that Ghana has a peaceful and successful election," the organizers emphasize.

Partners and Supporters

Creatorthon is proudly supported by the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives and Influencer Africa, both of which recognize the crucial role that media literacy and responsible social media use play in shaping informed civic engagement.

Get Involved

To be a part of Creatorthon and contribute to this national conversation, individuals can visit the Department of Communication Studies at the University of Ghana or follow the public education campaigns online. If you wish to support or participate in the event, reach out to the organizers for more information.

Creatorthon aims to leave a lasting impact on participants by encouraging them to use their creativity and platforms as tools for peaceful activism and responsible civic engagement. In the words of the event’s organizers: “Your voice matters in shaping a peaceful, informed future for Ghana.”

For more details on how to participate, visit www.creatorthon.com or follow the event on social media.