A nationwide effort to tackle the growing threat of deepfakes and digital misinformation, which began in May 2026, is continuing to gain momentum across Sierra Leone.

The campaign is being led by the Directorate of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI) in partnership with the Ministry of Communication, Technology and Innovation (MoCTI), Sierra Leone Digital Transformation Project (SLDT), and the Ministry of Local Government and Community Affairs (MLGCA).

The initiative aims to equip citizens with the knowledge and skills needed to identify manipulated digital content, verify information before sharing, and make responsible decisions online.

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Artificial intelligence is transforming the way people communicate and access information, but officials warn that its misuse—especially through fake videos, images, and voice recordings—poses serious risks to public trust and digital safety.

Since its launch, the campaign has reached several parts of the country, including Freetown, Makeni, Port Loko, Magburaka, Bo, Kenema, and Kono. The engagements have brought together Provincial Secretaries, District Officers, Chief Administrators, Paramount Chiefs, security institutions, local councils, universities, students, union leaders, civil society organisations, and community representatives.

During the sessions, participants discussed the opportunities created by AI, the dangers linked to its misuse, and practical ways to strengthen digital resilience in their communities.

Stakeholders also shared experiences of AI-generated misinformation, including fabricated videos and voice-cloning scams impersonating public figures. These concerns have increased calls for stronger public awareness and coordinated action against manipulated content.

At the centre of the campaign is a simple message: “Verify Before You Share.” Citizens are being encouraged to check the source, context, and authenticity of digital information before forwarding it online.

The next phase of the campaign will include nationwide radio and television programmes involving experts, government representatives, media practitioners, and community voices to promote responsible AI use and help citizens recognise potential deepfakes.

A National Capacity-Building Workshop will also bring together government institutions, security agencies, media professionals, technology experts, academia, civil society organisations, and development partners to strengthen national preparedness in responding to AI-generated misinformation.

The campaign will further introduce an AI-powered verification chatbot to help citizens assess suspicious content and identify possible deepfakes.

Through public education, institutional collaboration, and digital tools, DSTI and its partners are working to build a more informed, digitally resilient, and AI-ready Sierra Leone.

“Verify Before You Share. Na Yu Job, Na Wi Safety.”