By Alex Ababio
President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has called on Ghanaian journalists to avoid disseminating false information that could undermine the fairness of the electoral process.
During the 28th Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) Media Awards and the celebration of its 75th anniversary in Accra on September 28, he stressed the need for ethical reporting. He urged journalists to ensure balanced coverage and provide voters with accurate details to help them make well-informed choices in the 2024 general elections.
Akufo-Addo encouraged media professionals to act as defenders of truth, urging them to prioritize accuracy over misinformation.
He acknowledged the media’s pivotal role in previous elections but warned of the risks posed by fake news and sensationalism in the current digital era, which can jeopardize the integrity of elections.
“Every four years, Ghanaians head to the polls to select their leaders, and during this process, the media’s role is indispensable. It is through your work that the public learns about party policies, the character of candidates, and the key issues affecting their lives.
“The media’s responsibility during elections cannot be overstated. You have been on the front lines, overseeing elections, reporting on potential irregularities, and ensuring that the voices of the electorate are heard. The peaceful transfers of power we’ve witnessed in Ghana are in large part due to the diligence and integrity of the media.”
He further remarked, “But we are in changing times. In this digital age, we face numerous challenges, including disinformation, misinformation, fake news, and sensationalism that can disrupt the electoral process. While technology has expanded access to information, it has also brought about new risks.
“In the era of social media, where information spreads rapidly, journalists must step up by acting as gatekeepers of truth, ensuring that facts triumph over falsehoods. As we approach another election, I urge the media to uphold their crucial role, report with integrity, ensure fairness in their coverage, and provide voters with the accurate, timely, and comprehensive information needed to make informed choices.”
He pointed out that the media’s responsibility to offer precise and impartial reporting is more critical than ever.
“The stakes are high, and your role is more important now than ever. I address you today not only as the President of the Republic but as someone who has worked alongside the media in our collective journey toward freedom and democracy.”
President Akufo-Addo reaffirmed his dedication to supporting a free and dynamic press, underscoring its essential role in Ghana’s democracy, particularly as the nation prepares for the 2024 elections.
“I remain strongly committed to ensuring that Ghana’s media continues to be free, vibrant, and independent. Your work is crucial to the health of our democracy, the credibility of our elections, and the progress of our country.”