Phone culture filling the world with lies, misinformation – Archbishop of Accra

Accra, Ghana – The Metropolitan Archbishop of Accra, Most Rev. John Bonaventure Kwofie, C.S.Sp., has cautioned against the misuse of digital platforms by young people, warning that an unchecked phone culture is flooding the world with lies and misinformation.

Delivering a homily at the priestly ordination of twelve young men—seven Diocesan priests, two Salesians of Don Bosco, two Franciscans, and one Jesuit in Accra earlier today, the Archbishop called for integrity in the use of social media.

“The phone culture is filling the world with lies and fake news,” Archbishop Kwofie declared, lamenting the growing trend where social media has become a breeding ground for toxic narratives, half-truths, and distortions.

Addressing the faith and the newly ordained priests, many of whom are digital natives, the Archbishop urged them to rise above the allure of social media vanity and use the platform for the truth and evangelisation.

“Serious Catholics enter the world of social media to tell the truth and not peddle lies. Serious Catholics and especially those who seek to become priests use the phone to seek the truth and evangelize the world than telling toxic lies,” he said.

The Archbishop further warned seminarians and those aspiring to the priesthood that dishonesty, especially through digital means, is incompatible with their calling. “Any seminarian who tells lies on the social media or at any instance is not made for the priesthood,” Archbishop Kwofie said.