AI sources must be double-checked for credibility -Lawyer Zacharia Tanko Musah
A Lecturer at the University of Media, Arts and Communication Institute of Journalism (UniMAC-IJ), Lawyer Zacharia Tanko Musah, has advised media professionals to always ask Artificial Intelligence (AI) systems for the sources of information they provide before relying on such content for publication. According to him, verifying the sources and credibility of AI-generated information is essential to ensuring responsible use of the technology in journalism. Lawyer Musah made the remarks during a virtual workshop for media professionals organised by Nuclear Power Ghana on Friday, September 18, 2026.
Journalists could face legal consequences
Lawyer Musah cautioned journalists and media organisations against publishing unverified information generated by AI, noting that such practices could expose them to legal challenges. He explained that the principle of vicarious liability could become relevant where a journalist, writer or media platform publishes false or defamatory information and is subsequently taken to court. He therefore urged journalists to exercise due diligence by independently checking AI-generated information before incorporating it into their stories.
‘The story is as credible as the source’
Lawyer Musah stressed that the credibility of a news story is closely linked to the credibility of its source. He advised journalists not to assume that information generated by AI is automatically accurate, but rather to interrogate the information, request its sources and cross-check the claims against reliable and independent sources.
“Ask AI for the sources of the information it provides and verify those sources before using the information, don’t use any data from AI if it cannot provide sources,” he advised.
Legal risks of fake news and defamation
Lawyer Zacharia Tanko Musah further noted that journalists must remain conscious of the legal implications surrounding fake news, defamation and malicious intent. According to him, as long as Ghana’s legal framework contains provisions addressing offences and liabilities associated with false or defamatory publications, journalists have a responsibility to verify information before publication. He also referenced the country’s history and legal framework surrounding criminal libel, stressing the need for journalists to understand the potential consequences of publishing unverified claims.
Double-check information before publication
Lawyer Musah urged media professionals to make verification a critical part of their workflow when using AI tools. He said journalists who double-check information provided by AI would be better positioned to identify inaccuracies, avoid spreading misinformation and reduce the risk of becoming involved in legal disputes. He encouraged journalists to use AI as a tool to support their work rather than as an unquestioned authority, emphasising that professional judgment, source verification and editorial responsibility remain essential.
Responsible use of AI in journalism
The remarks come amid growing use of AI tools in news gathering, research and content production. Lawyer Musah’s advice underscores the need for media professionals to combine the speed and capabilities of AI with traditional journalistic principles, including accuracy, source verification, fairness and accountability.
For journalists, he said, the ultimate responsibility for what is published remains with the human author and the media platform, making careful verification particularly important when AI has been used in producing the content.
