Organization: Media Foundation for West Africa
Applicant: FactCheckGhana
Assessor: Raymond Joseph
Background
Fact-check Ghana (FCG) was set up in 2016 to counter the mis- and disinformation and propaganda plaguing the politics of Ghana. It was also established as a response to the proliferation of “fake” and false news on social media in that country. It is a project of the Media Foundation West Africa (MFWA), a regional independent non-governmental organisation with a network of partner organisations in all 16 countries in West Africa. MFWA is active in advocating for freedom of expression across the region.
FCG has a staff of four full time fact-checkers who are supported by programme and administrative staff of the MFWA. It has also taken on several fact-checkers on a contract basis to assist with Covid-19 fact-checks. Considering the size of its staff, FCG manages to do an impressive number of fact-checks across a wide range of issues.
Its website is easy to navigate with clearly marked tabs on the home page. Besides general fact-checks, FCG also has a special section dedicated to Covid-19, which is essential as Ghana – like the rest of the world – has been plagued by “fake news” about the pandemic. They also have a blog with useful information on a range of Covid-19-related issues. These include tips for dealing with virus-related stress, homeschooling and safety precautions for pregnant women. FCG has also produced several podcasts around Covid-19.
FGC has excellent policies in place dealing with ethics and corrections and other key issues, ensuring that it is transparent in its methodology, how it operates and its relationship to the Media Foundation for West Africa.
Assessment Conclusion
"Fact-Check Ghana has made both of the amendments I recommended in my initial assessment. Therefore,l am satisfied that they are now fully compliant with all criteria required for accreditation by IFCN. While FCG is run by a small team, they are making an important contribution to combating mis- and disinformation in Ghana."
Raymond Joseph assesses application as Compliant
A short summary in native publishing language
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Section 1: Eligibility to be a signatory
To be eligible to be a signatory, applicants must meet these six criteria
- 1.1 The applicant is a legally registered organization, or a distinct team or unit within a legally registered organization, and details of this are easily found on its website.
- 1.2 The team, unit or organization is set up exclusively for the purpose of fact-checking.
- 1.3 The applicant has published an average of at least one fact check a week over the course of the six months prior to the date of application. For applicants from countries with at least 5 or more verified signatories need to have at least a fact check a week over the twelve months of publishing track. Consult to factchecknet@poynter.org for confirmation.
- 1.4 On average, at least 75% of the applicant’s fact checks focus on claims related to issues that, in the view of the IFCN, relate to or could have an impact on the welfare or well-being of individuals, the general public or society.
- 1.5 The applicant’s editorial output is not, in the view of the IFCN, controlled by the state, a political party or politician.
- 1.6 If the organization receives funding from local or foreign state or political sources, it provides a statement on its site setting out to the satisfaction of the IFCN, how it ensures its funders do not influence the findings of its reports.
Criteria 1.1
Proof you meet criteria
Please explain where on your website you set out information about your organization’s legal status and how this complies with criteria. Attach a link to the relevant page of your website.
Media Foundation for West Africa
14-Sep-2020 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
By virtue of the fact that Fact-check Ghana is not an entity on its own but rather a project under the Media Foundation for West Africa which is a regional independent non-governmental organisation with a network of national partner organisations in all 16 countries in West Africa. We believe that this status of independence covers the fact-check project as well.
However on the menu button which helps our readers navigate our site we have a write up which explains the above.
Raymond Joseph Assessor
27-Sep-2020 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
Fact-check Ghana (FCG) is a project of the Media Foundation of West Africa (MFWA) and, as such, is not an independent entity. MFWA is a regional independent non-governmental organisation with a network of national partner organisations in all 16 countries in West Africa. (See a list of partners here: https://www.mfwa.org/our-partners/national-partners/
Details about MFWA here: https://www.mfwa.org/about-us/about-us-mission-and-vision/
FCG explains its relationship to MFWA on its website: fact-checkghana.com/about/
"Fact-Check Ghana is a fact-checking project of the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA). The MFWA is West Africa’s biggest and most influential media development and freedom of expression advocacy organisation with headquarters in Accra, Ghana, and [has] national partner organisations in all 16 countries of West Africa. The project has a dedicated team of experienced journalists and researchers who are supported by programme and administrative staff of the MFWA." - From https://www.fact-checkghana.com/about/
This independent status of MFWA covers the fact-checking project, FCG says in its application.
done_all 1.1 marked as Compliant by Raymond Joseph.
Criteria 1.2
Proof you meet criteria
Please answer the following questions – (see notes in Guidelines for Application on how to answer)
1. When and why was your fact-checking operation started?
2. How many people work or volunteer in the organization and what are their roles?
3. What different activities does your organization carry out?
4. What are the goals of your fact-checking operation over the coming year?
Media Foundation for West Africa
14-Sep-2020 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
1. Fact-check Ghana began in 2016 and the project was started in order to enhance fact-based public discourse, debates and decision making in Ghana’s democratic governance and development processes. (https://www.fact-checkghana.com/about/)
2.There are four permanent fact-checkers under the project, which is focused in Ghana
a. Kwaku Krobea Asante is the Team Lead for the project
b. Adiza Moro Maiga is a fact-checker and led the efforts in the production of reports to curb the spread of fake information concerning Covid-19
c. Eugene Brown Agyei manages the project's website and social media pages. He also produces fact-check reports on topical issues and political claims.
d. Eileen Naazie works on viral claims mostly spread on social media.She also helps with explainers to legal claims.
https://www.fact-checkghana.com/the-team/
3. Fact-Check Ghana producers explainers on legislation being discussed in the media, fact-check political claims, reports that present facts on topical situations which are points of contention between political parties. We also produce reports on issues circulating social media which maybe false such as recruitment scams.
4. The Fact-Check Ghana project,seeks to enhance fact-based public discourse, debates and decision making in Ghana’s democratic governance and development processes over the coming year.
Raymond Joseph Assessor
27-Sep-2020 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
1) Fact-check Ghana was started in 2016 "in order to enhance fact-based public discourse, debates and decision making in Ghana’s democratic governance and development processes".
From "Why Fact-Check Ghana (https://www.fact-checkghana.com/about/)
"Ghana has over the years witnessed a significant increase in access to the internet and ownership of smartphones. The country is also home to a diverse, pluralistic media scene and a vibrant, competitive multi-party democratic political environment. This myriad of factors, among others, has led to the proliferation of fake news, misinformation and propaganda, especially during electioneering campaigns, political debates, public health and other emergencies, and other matters of significant national and/or international public interest.
During electioneering campaigns, for example, political parties and candidates tend to wittingly or unwittingly peddle falsehood, misleading statements and propaganda in their bid to earn votes. Such claims often gain public traction in both online and legacy media through republications. Over the years, such claims by politicians have not been subjected to any form of routine fact-checking, a situation that has allowed political parties and candidates to often pay little attention to the veracity of the claims and messages they make.
The proliferation of fake news, misinformation and propaganda in public discourse, if not countered, have a great potential of influencing people to make wrong choices and sometimes, dangerous and harmful decisions.
The Fact-Check Ghana project, therefore, seeks to enhance fact-based public discourse, debates, and decision making in Ghana’s democratic governance and development processes. This is done by fact-checking claims, statements, promises and messages that are of public interest, and widely publicising findings to help the public make informed opinions, decisions and choices."
2) FCG has four full-time fact-checking staff.
They are:
2.There are four permanent fact-checkers under the project, which is focused on Ghana
a. Kwaku Krobea Asante is the Team Lead for the project
b. Adiza Moro Maiga is a fact-checker and led the efforts in the production of reports to curb the spread of fake information concerning Covid-19
c. Eugene Brown Agyei manages the project's website and social media pages. He also produces fact-check reports on topical issues and political claims.
d. Eileen Naazie works on viral claims mostly spread on social media. She also helps with explainers to legal claims.
See here: https://www.fact-checkghana.com/the-team/
3) Fact-Check Ghana publishes "explainers on legislation being discussed in the media"; fact-checks claims by politicians and political parties that present facts on topical situations which are points of contention between political parties"; fact-checks potentially false claims/issues on social media, like recruitment scams. As with other fact-checkers around the world, it has regularly published Covid-19 related fact-checks since the outbreak of the pandemic.
4) Over the coming year, FCG will seek "to enhance fact-based public discourse, debates, and decision making in Ghana’s democratic governance and development processes".
done_all 1.2 marked as Compliant by Raymond Joseph.
Criteria 1.3
Proof you meet criteria
- The applicant has published an average of at least one fact check a week over the course of the six months prior to the date of application.
- For applicants from countries with at least 5 or more verified signatories need to have at least a fact check a week over the twelve months of publishing track.
- Consult to factchecknet@poynter.org for confirmation.
Media Foundation for West Africa
14-Sep-2020 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
https://www.fact-checkghana.com/facts-about-covid-19-cases-in-ghana/
https://www.fact-checkghana.com/no-dangote-has-not-advised-against-donating-to-african-leaders/
https://www.fact-checkghana.com/mahama-claim-about-ghanas-press-freedom-ranking-completely-false/
https://www.fact-checkghana.com/the-motorway-interchange-debate-what-are-the-bare-facts/
https://www.fact-checkghana.com/basic-facts-about-the-coronavirus-alleviation-programme-cap-fund/
https://www.fact-checkghana.com/has-president-akufo-addo-signed-a-bill-gates-covid-19-vaccine-pact/
https://www.fact-checkghana.com/felix-ofosu-kwakye-claim-on-economic-growth-rate-false/
https://www.fact-checkghana.com/book-and-research-allowance-npp-and-bawumias-claim-false/
https://www.fact-checkghana.com/gabby-otchere-darkos-claim-about-gdp-growth-false/
https://www.fact-checkghana.com/president-akufo-addos-claim-about-free-access-to-water-misleading/
https://www.fact-checkghana.com/does-ghana-have-one-of-the-lowest-covid-19-death-rates-in-africa/
These links are for the first criteria
Raymond Joseph Assessor
27-Sep-2020 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
FCG has met and, at times, exceeded this criterion
done_all 1.3 marked as Compliant by Raymond Joseph.
Criteria 1.4
Proof you meet criteria
The assessor will assess compliance through a review of the fact checks published over the previous three months. No additional information required.
Raymond Joseph Assessor
27-Sep-2020 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
FCG has met the necessary criteria
done_all 1.4 marked as Compliant by Raymond Joseph.
Criteria 1.5
Proof you meet criteria
Please explain any commercial, financial and/or institutional relationship your organization has to the state, politicians or political parties in the country or countries you cover. Also explain funding or support received from foreign as well as local state or political actors over the previous financial year.
Media Foundation for West Africa
14-Sep-2020 (3 years ago)
Fact-check Ghana does not receive any funding from the state, politicians or political parties in the country. All expenses incurred by fact-check Ghana are underwritten by the Media Foundation for West Africa.
Raymond Joseph Assessor
27-Sep-2020 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
Fact-check Ghana does not receive any funding from the state, politicians or political parties. All its costs and expenses are covered by the Media Foundation for West Africa.
Details of MFWA funders here: https://bit.ly/335bOsr
done_all 1.5 marked as Compliant by Raymond Joseph.
Criteria 1.6
Proof you meet criteria
If you confirmed the organization receives funding from local or foreign state or political sources, provide a link to where on your website you set out how you ensure the editorial independence of your work.
Media Foundation for West Africa
14-Sep-2020 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
As stated previously all funding for Fact-check Ghana is borne by the Media Foundation for West Africa.
Raymond Joseph Assessor
27-Sep-2020 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
n/a
done_all 1.6 marked as Compliant by Raymond Joseph.
Section 2: A commitment to Non-partisanship and Fairness
To be compliant on nonpartisanship and fairness, applicants must meet these five criteria
- 2.1 The applicant fact-checks using the same high standards of evidence and judgement for equivalent claims regardless of who made the claim.
- 2.2 The applicant does not unduly concentrate its fact-checking on any one side, considers the reach and importance of claims it selects to check and publishes a short statement on its website to set out how it selects claims to check.
- 2.3 The applicant discloses in its fact checks relevant interests of the sources it quotes where the reader might reasonably conclude those interests could influence the accuracy of the evidence provided. It also discloses in its fact checks any commercial or other such relationships it has that a member of the public might reasonably conclude could influence the findings of the fact check.
- 2.4 The applicant is not as an organization affiliated with nor declares or shows support for any party, any politician or political candidate, nor does it advocate for or against any policy positions on any issues save for transparency and accuracy in public debate.
- 2.5 The applicant sets out its policy on non-partisanship for staff on its site. Save for the issues of accuracy and transparency, the applicant’s staff do not get involved in advocacy or publicise their views on policy issues the organization might fact check in such a way as might lead a reasonable member of the public to see the organization’s work as biased.
Criteria 2.1
Proof you meet criteria
Please share links to 10 fact checks published over the past year that you believe demonstrate your non-partisanship.
Please briefly explain how the fact checks selected show that (I) you use the same high standards of evidence for equivalent claims, (II) follow the same essential process for every fact check and (III) let the evidence dictate your conclusions.
Media Foundation for West Africa
14-Sep-2020 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
https://www.fact-checkghana.com/the-motorway-interchange-debate-what-are-the-bare-facts/
https://www.fact-checkghana.com/book-and-research-allowance-npp-and-bawumias-claim-false/
https://www.fact-checkghana.com/napos-presentation-in-parliament-these-four-claims-are-false/
https://www.fact-checkghana.com/former-president-mahama-quotes-false-covid-19-figures-for-ghana/
https://www.fact-checkghana.com/has-president-akufo-addo-signed-a-bill-gates-covid-19-vaccine-pact/
We consulted third party sources as well as policy documents and in certain cases consulted experts in the field in question for not only the above links posted but for all other claims that are published on our site. Our findings are based only what we find from our research and not personal thoughts. The links also show that we do not focus on one political party or actor in the Ghanaian political landscape but rather on anyone who belongs to the parties and a makes a claim that is verifiable. We also do false news claims like ones about Covid-19 as well as recruitment scams and any other claims that fits within our methodology.
Raymond Joseph Assessor
27-Sep-2020 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
1) Criteria met
2 & 3) From FCG application:
"We consult third-party sources as well as policy documents and in certain cases consult experts in the field in question for...all other claims that are published on our site. Our findings are based only on what we find from our research and not personal thoughts."
"...we do not focus on one political party or actor in the Ghanaian political landscape but rather on anyone who belongs to these parties and makes a claim that is verifiable." FCG also checks claims on a wide variety of non-political issues, including about Covid-19 and recruitment scams."
What is the Approach (from https://www.fact-checkghana.com/about/)
On daily basis, a dedicated team of fact-checkers and researchers look out for claims and statements from speeches, news stories, public policy documents, and social media content to fact-check. Because it is impossible to fact-check all claims and statements, we focus on what we consider to be most newsworthy and/or of significant public interest. In order to settle on what to fact-check, we consider the following:
Is the claim, issue, or content of significant public interest and likely to be shared, republished, repeated by many?
Who made the claim? Is that individual a public figure of high standing whose statements or claims are of public interest and could reach many people?
Will the claim or statement potentially be a subject of public debate as to its veracity?
Is it possible to verify the statement? Are there stated facts that can be cross-checked? Opinions are not fact-checked.
Does the public need to know the facts about a particular issue or matter even if it is not a claim or statement made by an individual but as a matter of public interest?
Are different people presenting different facts about a particular matter or issue and debating on the basis of their fact when there could possibly be only one fact about such a matter or issue.
Have people expressed interest in knowing about the facts of a particular issue, claim or content – fact-check requests by members of the public submitted through facts@fact-checkghana.org
Read More: https://www.fact-checkghana.com/about/
How Do we Fact-Check (https://www.fact-checkghana.com/our-methodology/)
Fact-checkers look for claims to fact-check in transcripts (interviews or Speeches), major political and current affairs shows, news stories, radio interviews and discussions, social media, party manifestos and press releases.
We also do a comparative analysis of topical issues (corruption) that become a point of contention between political opponents and present the basic facts on such issues for readers to draw their own conclusions.
Only newsworthy claims are checked and the following criteria are taken into consideration;
Is the statement verifiable?
Is the claim significant?
Is the claim thought to be misleading?
Is the claim likely to be repeated as fact during public discourse?
Would the average person be misled by the claim?
Opinions do not count.
As part of our work, we prioritise building a network of independent expert sources in various fields. This is to enable us to have as many on-the-record or in-person sources as possible for verification. Such sources complement our routine fact-checking processes, which involve: contacting the persons or institutions that make the claims and those about whom the claims are made; consulting public policy documents and research reports; doing thorough google searches for online databases; and comparing with the outcomes of previous fact-checking findings (if any) on the same claims.
To enable others to verify our reports and conclusions, we are transparent with our sources. We cite all sources consulted so that readers can challenge our verdicts or provide us with additional affirming sources or those that challenge our conclusions.
done_all 2.1 marked as Compliant by Raymond Joseph.
Criteria 2.2
Proof you meet criteria
Please share a link to a place on your website where you explain how you select claims to check, explaining how you ensure you do not unduly concentrate your fact-checking on any one side, and how you consider the reach and importance of the claims you select to check.
Media Foundation for West Africa
14-Sep-2020 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
Raymond Joseph Assessor
27-Sep-2020 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
For details of how claims are selected see: https://www.fact-checkghana.com/our-methodology/
Non-partisanship explained here: https://www.fact-checkghana.com/ethics-policy-for-fact-checkers/
done_all 2.2 marked as Compliant by Raymond Joseph.
Criteria 2.3
Proof you meet criteria
The assessor will assess compliance through a review of the fact checks published over the previous year. No additional information required.
Raymond Joseph Assessor
27-Sep-2020 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
I am satisfied that FCG meets the criteria
done_all 2.3 marked as Compliant by Raymond Joseph.
Criteria 2.4
Proof you meet criteria
The assessor will assess compliance through a review of the fact checks published over the previous year. No additional information required.
Raymond Joseph Assessor
27-Sep-2020 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
I am satisfied that FCG meets the criteria
done_all 2.4 marked as Compliant by Raymond Joseph.
Criteria 2.5
Proof you meet criteria
Please share a link to a place on your website where you publish a statement setting out your policy on non-partisanship for staff and how it ensures the organization meets this criteria.
Media Foundation for West Africa
14-Sep-2020 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
https://www.fact-checkghana.com/ethics-policy-for-fact-checkers/
The Head of Institutional Development for Media Foundation for West Africa also conducts routine checks to make sure that all fact-checkers are in compliance with the policy
Raymond Joseph Assessor
27-Sep-2020 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
From: https://www.fact-checkghana.com/ethics-policy-for-fact-checkers/
"Fact-Check Ghana strives to present facts that are unaffected by personal biases or political agenda.
Fact-Checkers under the project do not let their personal opinions or political alliance affect their work when producing fact-check reports. They work with an independent mindset and are fair in their processes of fact-checking claims.
Consequently, our fact-checkers do not publicly express their political opinion or are involved in any partisan process or activity apart from their civic duty as registered Ghanaian voters who will not discuss their votes after the electoral process.
Our work as fact-checkers is not meant as a contribution to any political party neither is our work meant to project or undermine any political campaigns.
We share our stories on social media, but it is not meant to endorse one political opponent over the other. Also, fact-check Ghana does not express personal political views on social media.
The team is further guided by general media ethical principles including fairness, balance and impartiality in the process of producing fact-check reports. In order to avoid anything that compromises fact-check Ghana, this policy applies to all our fact-checkers because independence and fairness are paramount to us.
In addition, the head of MFWA's Institutional Development for Media Foundation also conducts routine checks to make sure that all fact-checkers comply with the policy.
done_all 2.5 marked as Compliant by Raymond Joseph.
Section 3: A commitment to Standards and Transparency of Sources
To be compliant on sources, applicants must meet these four criteria
- 3.1 The applicant identifies the source of all significant evidence used in their fact checks, providing relevant links where the source is available online, in such a way that users can replicate their work if they wish. In cases where identifying the source would compromise the source’s personal security, the applicant provides as much detail as compatible with the source’s safety.
- 3.2 The applicant uses the best available primary, not secondary, sources of evidence wherever suitable primary sources are available. Where suitable primary sources are not available, the applicant explains the use of a secondary source.
- 3.3 The applicant checks all key elements of claims against more than one named source of evidence save where the one source is the only source relevant on the topic.
- 3.4 The applicant identifies in its fact checks the relevant interests of the sources it uses where the reader might reasonably conclude those interests could influence the accuracy of the evidence provided.
Criteria 3.1
Proof you meet criteria
The assessor will review the applicant’s use of sources in a randomised sample of its fact checks to assess compliance. No additional evidence is required.
Raymond Joseph Assessor
27-Sep-2020 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
FCG meets the criteria
done_all 3.1 marked as Compliant by Raymond Joseph.
Criteria 3.2
Proof you meet criteria
The assessor will review the applicant’s use of sources in a randomised sample of its fact checks to assess compliance. No additional evidence is required.
Raymond Joseph Assessor
27-Sep-2020 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
FCG meets the criteria
done_all 3.2 marked as Compliant by Raymond Joseph.
Criteria 3.3
Proof you meet criteria
The assessor will review the applicant’s use of sources in a randomised sample of its fact checks to assess compliance. No additional evidence is required.
Raymond Joseph Assessor
27-Sep-2020 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
I am satisfied that Fact-Check Ghana meet the criteria
done_all 3.3 marked as Compliant by Raymond Joseph.
Criteria 3.4
Proof you meet criteria
The assessor will review the applicant’s use of sources in a randomised sample of its fact checks to assess compliance. No additional evidence is required.
Raymond Joseph Assessor
27-Sep-2020 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
I am satisfied that Fact-Check Ghana meet the criteria
done_all 3.4 marked as Compliant by Raymond Joseph.
Section 4: A commitment to Transparency of Funding & Organization
To be compliant on funding and organization, applicants must meet these five criteria
- 4.1 Applicants that are independent organizations have a page on their website detailing each source of funding accounting for 5% or more of total revenue for its previous financial year. This page also sets out the legal form in which the organization is registered (e.g. as a non-profit, as a company etc).
- 4.2 Applicants that are the fact-checking section or unit of a media house or other parent organization make a statement on ownership.
- 4.3 A statement on the applicant’s website sets out the applicant’s organizational structure and makes clear how and by whom editorial control is exercised.
- 4.4 A page on the applicant’s website details the professional biography of all those who, according to the organizational structure and play a significant part in its editorial output.
- 4.5 The applicant provides easy means on its website and/or via social media for users to communicate with the editorial team.
Criteria 4.1
Proof you meet criteria
Please confirm whether you are an ‘independent organization’
or ‘the fact-checking section or unit of a media house or other parent organization’ and share proof of this organizational status.
Media Foundation for West Africa
14-Sep-2020 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
Raymond Joseph Assessor
27-Sep-2020 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
Fact-Check Ghana is a project of the Media Foundation West Africa, an independent regional NGO https://www.mfwa.org/about-us/
Explanation on FCG website about its relationship to MFWA https://www.fact-checkghana.com/about/
This advert posted on the Media Foundation West Africa website on April 21, 2020, further confirms the relationship. It is for positions for Covid-19 fact-checking posts at Fact-Check Ghana https://www.mfwa.org/vacancy-factcheckers/
done_all 4.1 marked as Compliant by Raymond Joseph.
Criteria 4.2
Proof you meet criteria
If your organization is an “independent organization”, please share a link to the page on your website where you detail your funding and indicate the legal form in which the organization is registered (e.g. as a non-profit, as a company etc).
If your organization is “the fact-checking section or unit of a media house or other parent organization”, please share a link to the statement on your website about your ownership.
Media Foundation for West Africa
14-Sep-2020 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
Fact-Checking Ghana is a unit of Media Foundation for West Africa
Raymond Joseph Assessor
27-Sep-2020 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
Fact-Checking Ghana is a unit of Media Foundation for West Africa
done_all 4.2 marked as Compliant by Raymond Joseph.
Criteria 4.3
Proof you meet criteria
Please share a link to where on your website you set out your organizational structure, making clear how and by whom editorial control is exercised.
Media Foundation for West Africa
14-Sep-2020 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
Media Foundation for West Africa
07-Oct-2020 (3 years ago)
Raymond Joseph Assessor
27-Sep-2020 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
Recommendation: In the https://www.fact-checkghana.com/the-team/ section please add an explanation of FCG's organisational structure and chain of command. This should explain who is overall in charge of editorial decisions, how decisions are made, and also spell out the checks and balances that are in place.
It should also clearly explain the person/people responsible for final decision making, and who makes the final decision to publish.
From what I understand, a senior member of MFWA has some sort of oversight role, which should also be mentioned if this is correct
done_all 4.3 marked as Compliant by Raymond Joseph.
Raymond Joseph Assessor
12-Oct-2020 (3 years ago)
Recommendation: In the https://www.fact-checkghana.com/the-team/ section please add an explanation of FCG's organisational structure and chain of command. This should explain who is overall in charge of editorial decisions, how decisions are made, and also spell out the checks and balances that are in place.
It should also clearly explain the person/people responsible for final decision making, and who makes the final decision to publish.
From what I understand, a senior member of MFWA has some sort of oversight role, which should also be mentioned if this is correct
done_all 4.3 marked as Compliant by Raymond Joseph.
Criteria 4.4
Proof you meet criteria
Please share a link to where on your website you set out the professional biographies of those who play a significant part in your organization’s editorial output.
Media Foundation for West Africa
14-Sep-2020 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
Raymond Joseph Assessor
27-Sep-2020 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
done_all 4.4 marked as Compliant by Raymond Joseph.
Criteria 4.5
Proof you meet criteria
Please share a link to where on your website you encourage users to communicate with your editorial team.
Media Foundation for West Africa
14-Sep-2020 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
Raymond Joseph Assessor
27-Sep-2020 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
There is a "Contact" tab on top of the home page: https://www.fact-checkghana.com/fullcontact/
done_all 4.5 marked as Compliant by Raymond Joseph.
Section 5: A commitment to Standards and Transparency of Methodology
To be compliant on methodology, applicants must meet these six criteria
- 5.1 The applicant publishes on its website a statement about the methodology it uses to select, research, write and publish its fact checks.
- 5.2 The applicant selects claims to check based primarily on the reach and importance of the claims, and where possible explains the reason for choosing the claim to check.
- 5.3 The applicant sets out in its fact checks relevant evidence that appears to support the claim as well as relevant evidence that appears to undermine it.
- 5.4 The applicant in its fact checks assesses the merits of the evidence found using the same high standards applied to evidence on equivalent claims, regardless of who made the claim.
- 5.5 The applicant seeks where possible to contact those who made the claim to seek supporting evidence, noting that (I) this is often not possible with online claims, (II) if the person who makes the claim fails to reply in a timely way this should not impede the fact check, (III) if a speaker adds caveats to the claim, the fact-checker should be free to continue with checking the original claim, (IV) fact-checkers may not wish to contact the person who made the claim for safety or other legitimate reasons.
- 5.6 The applicant encourages users to send in claims to check, while making it clear what readers can legitimately expect will be fact-checked and what isn’t fact-checkable.
Criteria 5.1
Proof you meet criteria
Please provide a link to the statement on your website that explains the methodology you use to select, research, write and publish your fact checks.
Media Foundation for West Africa
14-Sep-2020 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
Raymond Joseph Assessor
27-Sep-2020 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
done_all 5.1 marked as Compliant by Raymond Joseph.
Criteria 5.2
Proof you meet criteria
The assessor will review the methodology used in a randomised sample of your fact checks to assess compliance with these criteria. No additional evidence is required.
Raymond Joseph Assessor
27-Sep-2020 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
I am satisfied that these criteria have been met
done_all 5.2 marked as Compliant by Raymond Joseph.
Criteria 5.3
Proof you meet criteria
The assessor will review the methodology used in a randomised sample of your fact checks to assess compliance with these criteria. No additional evidence is required.
Raymond Joseph Assessor
27-Sep-2020 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
I am satisfied that these criteria have been met
done_all 5.3 marked as Compliant by Raymond Joseph.
Criteria 5.4
Proof you meet criteria
The assessor will review the methodology used in a randomised sample of your fact checks to assess compliance with these criteria. No additional evidence is required.
Raymond Joseph Assessor
27-Sep-2020 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
I am satisfied that these criteria have been met
done_all 5.4 marked as Compliant by Raymond Joseph.
Criteria 5.5
Proof you meet criteria
The assessor will review the methodology used in a randomised sample of your fact checks to assess compliance with these criteria. No additional evidence is required.
Raymond Joseph Assessor
27-Sep-2020 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
I am satisfied that these criteria have been met
done_all 5.5 marked as Compliant by Raymond Joseph.
Criteria 5.6
Proof you meet criteria
Please describe how you encourage users to send in claims to check, while making it clear what readers can legitimately expect will be fact-checked and what isn’t fact-checkable. Include links where appropriate. If you do not allow this, explain why.
Media Foundation for West Africa
14-Sep-2020 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
https://www.fact-checkghana.com/fullcontact/
Our contacts has been made fully available for claims to be submitted to be fact-checked. We have also made the the contact details available on our social media pages (Facebook and Twitter) for the submission of claims by the general public.
Raymond Joseph Assessor
27-Sep-2020 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
See here: https://www.fact-checkghana.com/fullcontact/
Contact details are also shared via FCG's Twitter and Facebook pages
done_all 5.6 marked as Compliant by Raymond Joseph.
Section 6: A commitment to an Open & Honest Corrections Policy
To be compliant on corrections policy, applicants must meet these five criteria
- 6.1 The applicant has a corrections or complaints policy that is easily visible and accessible on the organization’s website or frequently referenced in broadcasts.
- 6.2 The policy sets out clear definitions of what it does and does not cover, how major mistakes, especially those requiring revised conclusions of a fact check, are handled, and the fact that some complaints may justify no response. This policy is adhered to scrupulously.
- 6.3 Where credible evidence is provided that the applicant has made a mistake worthy of correction, the applicant makes a correction openly and transparently, seeking as far as possible to ensure that users of the original see the correction and the corrected version.
- 6.4 The applicant, if an existing signatory, should either on its corrections/complaints page or on the page where it declares itself an IFCN signatory inform users that if they believe the signatory is violating the IFCN Code, they may inform the IFCN, with a link to the IFCN site.
- 6.5 If the applicant is the fact-checking unit of a media company, it is a requirement of signatory status that the parent media company has and adheres to an open and honest corrections policy.
Criteria 6.1
Proof you meet criteria
Please provide a link to where you publish on your website your corrections or complaints policy. If you are primarily a broadcaster, please provide evidence you frequently reference your corrections policy in broadcasts.
Media Foundation for West Africa
14-Sep-2020 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
Raymond Joseph Assessor
27-Sep-2020 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
done_all 6.1 marked as Compliant by Raymond Joseph.
Criteria 6.2
Proof you meet criteria
The assessor will review the corrections policy to verify it meets critera. No additional information needed.
Raymond Joseph Assessor
27-Sep-2020 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
I am satisfied that FCG's correction policy meets the required criteria
done_all 6.2 marked as Compliant by Raymond Joseph.
Criteria 6.3
Proof you meet criteria
Please provide a short statement about how the policy was adhered to over the previous year (or six months if this is the first application) including evidence of two examples of the responses provided by the applicant to a correction request over the previous year. Where no correction request has been made in the previous year, you must state this in your application, which will be publicly available in the assessment if your application is successful.
Media Foundation for West Africa
14-Sep-2020 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
No correction request has been made since the inception of the project
Raymond Joseph Assessor
27-Sep-2020 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
No correction request has been made since the inception of the project, according to FCG's application for IFCN accreditation. I searched across several years of fact-checks and could find no corrections.
done_all 6.3 marked as Compliant by Raymond Joseph.
Criteria 6.4
Proof you meet criteria
If you are an existing signatory, please provide a link to show where on your site you inform users that if they believe you are violating the IFCN Code, they may inform the IFCN of this, with a link to the complaints page on the IFCN site.
Media Foundation for West Africa
14-Sep-2020 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
Media Foundation is not an existing signatory of IFCN
Raymond Joseph Assessor
27-Sep-2020 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
Media Foundation is not an existing signatory of IFCN but a link to IFCN's complaints page must be added if this application is successful
done_all 6.4 marked as Compliant by Raymond Joseph.
Criteria 6.5
Proof you meet criteria
If you are the fact-checking unit of a media company, please provide a link to the parent media company’s honest and open corrections policy and provide evidence that it adheres to this.
Media Foundation for West Africa
14-Sep-2020 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
Media Foundation for West Africa is not a Media Institution but rather a Civil Society Organisation and because of that there is no corrections policy
Raymond Joseph Assessor
27-Sep-2020 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
Media Foundation for West Africa is not a media organisation but rather a civil society organisation and therefore has no corrections policy