The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, has called on the media in Ghana to remain professional, accountable, and credible before, during and after the upcoming December 7, 2024, general elections.
He added that the media must be abreast with the Guidelines on Election Coverage by the National Media Commission which is key in helping journalists and media practitioners provide comprehensive, accurate, impartial, and fair election coverage, enabling the electorate to make informed choices.
The Speaker made the clarion call during the fourth edition of the Northern Regional Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) Awards night held on Saturday, September 14, in Tamale on the theme: “Ensuring Violence-Free Elections: The Role of the Media.”
“This applies to all media enterprises, whether private, community or State-owned, as well as authorities involved in the electoral process, as managers or regulators, who have voluntarily adopted them” he emphasized.
The Speaker in a statement presented on his behalf by Madam Kate Addo, the Director in charge of Parliamentary Broadcasting, Media Relations and Public Engagements said the theme is not only timely but critical stressing that we find ourselves on the brink of an election that is bound to be closely watched, not just because of the candidates involved but also because of the broader implications for our national unity.
“Our media, therefore, has a monumental role to play. It is not enough to report on events as they unfold; the media must actively contribute to a climate of peace. This can be achieved by fostering constructive dialogue, debunking falsehoods, and providing a platform for diverse voices to be heard. I urge you all to rise to this challenge with the professionalism and integrity that the situation demands.”
Mr. Bagbin added that as the watchdog, the media offers independent scrutiny on the achievements and pitfalls of political candidates, governments and institutions tasked with managing elections in the country.
The Speaker of Parliament also expressed his concern about the proliferation of deep fake videos, disinformation campaigns, technology-facilitated violence against candidates, and micro-targeting of voters by exploiting their data.
He stated that the rising trend of misinformation, disinformation and fake news had implications for the security of the state, especially as the country headed for the polls, and must be curtailed and rooted out with dispatch.
“We must work together and find a way of dealing with this matter, else the people who don’t wish this country well, even including some Ghanaians who have not seen war before and yet want to see that there is confusion, will use that as a medium of creating confusion for selfish interests which are demonic” he admonished.
