The President of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), Mr. Albert Kwabena Dwumfour, has urged media practitioners to always hold leaders accountable for their actions and promises and never allow politicians or any group to lead them into temptation. “We must be firm and resolute in protecting the peace we are enjoying.”
Mr. Albert Dwumfour emphasized that by holding politicians accountable, the media would contribute to the reduction of tensions and conflicts in the country.
He further urged the media to provide balanced and impartial reporting and avoid sensationalism and bias in their reportage.
The GJA President made this statement while speaking at the SPI National Forum on Social Cohesion, Security, and Peaceful Elections held in Accra at the International Conference Center.
Mr. Kwabena Dwumfour advised media practitioners to focus on issue-based reporting rather than personality-driven coverage and tasked them with giving voice to diverse perspectives, including marginalized communities.
The theme of the forum, “Building a More Peaceful and Cohesive Ghana: A Collective Endeavour,” could not have been more appropriate, given that peacebuilding requires collective responsibility, including the media.
“Fact-check and debunk misinformation. In an era where fake news, polarizing narratives, and disinformation spread like wildfire, it is important for the media to remain alert and fact-check what comes through to them.”
He indicated that the media has the power to shape public opinion, influence voter behavior, and hold leaders accountable. “I must emphasize, however, that with this power of the media comes great responsibility.”
He said the GJA is excited to be part of the forum, given its significance in deepening Ghana’s democracy and the fact that it aligns with the objectives of the GJA.
He noted that the media has a crucial role to play in consolidating the gains the nation has made in the area of peace.
“As the fourth estate of the realm, we need to support the democratic process by exercising restraint and adhering to the ethics of the profession. Chapter 12 of the Constitution talks about the freedom and independence of the media. But freedom of the media and being independent does not mean discharging your duties in a manner that threatens the peace of the country.”
He noted that in a country where the ruling government is bent on “breaking the 8” and the opposition is determined to “stop the 8,” it has made the 2024 elections crucial. “That is why we have positioned our members in preparedness for the task ahead.”
“Let’s all give peace a chance. Ghana is the only country we have. We can’t afford to lose the peace that we are currently enjoying, so the media, politicians, religious leaders, and CSOs must all be involved in crossing the hurdle of peace.”
