Our Methodology
At Fakenews Ghana, we follow a transparent and rigorous methodology to ensure that the information we verify is factual, accurate, and presented with full context. Below are the steps we take when evaluating a claim:
Claim Identification
We monitor various information ecosystems—including social media, news websites, political speeches, viral WhatsApp messages, and community submissions—to identify claims that are:
- Widely shared or influential
- Potentially misleading or false
- Of public interest or consequence
- Related to health, governance, elections, economy, or security
We also accept user-submitted claims through our website and WhatsApp tipline.
Selection Criteria
Not every suspicious statement becomes a fact-check. We select claims based on:
- Reach – Is the claim going viral?
- Impact – Could it influence public decisions or behavior?
- Relevance – Is it connected to key issues in Ghana or the region?
- Clarity – Can the claim be verified using factual evidence?
Research and Verification
Our researchers use a variety of tools and methods to verify claims, including:
- Reviewing primary sources (official government data, public records, scientific studies)
- Consulting subject-matter experts
- Performing reverse image/video searches
- Using tools like Google Fact Check Explorer, CrowdTangle, InVID, and Wayback Machine
We prioritize transparency: we cite every source we use and link directly to public evidence where possible.
Rating the Claim
We use a clear and consistent rating system to categorize each claim. Our current rating scale includes:
| Rating | Definition |
| True | The claim is accurate based on available evidence |
| Misleading | The claim contains elements of truth but lacks context or exaggerates details |
| False | The claim is inaccurate or demonstrably incorrect |
| Unproven | There is insufficient evidence to verify the claim at this time |
| Satire | The claim is intentionally humorous or ironic, not meant to deceive |
Writing and Editing
Every fact-check is written to be:
- Clear and understandable to the public
- Free from technical jargon, unless necessary (and explained)
- Reviewed by at least one editor before publication
- Labeled with its claim, conclusion, sources, and date
We also include visual aids (infographics, screenshots, data tables) where helpful.
Corrections and Updates
If we make a factual error, we correct it promptly and transparently (see our Corrections Policy). If new evidence emerges, we update the fact-check and label the update clearly.
Community Involvement
We believe in participatory verification. Readers can:
- Submit suspicious claims for review
- Ask for clarification on published fact-checks
- Contact us via:
verify@fakenewsghana.com
+233 (0) 59 372 6771