KEY POINTS
- President Akufo-Addo calls on Ghanaian journalists to combat misinformation ahead of the 2024 elections.
- He emphasized the need for accurate and fair reporting to uphold democratic integrity.
- The GJA Media Awards also recognized Edward Adeti as the P.V. Ansah Journalist of the Year.
President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has urged Ghanaian journalists to combat misinformation and ensure accuracy in reporting as the country prepares for the 2024 general elections.
Addressing the 28th Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) Media Awards and its 75th-anniversary event in Accra, the President highlighted the crucial role of the media in safeguarding the integrity of the electoral process.
Upholding democratic integrity
President Akufo-Addo stressed that journalists must act as gatekeepers of the truth, emphasizing that factual reporting is critical in an age dominated by digital platforms and social media.
According to Graphic Online, he cautioned against the dangers of misinformation and disinformation, which he said could distort the electoral process and undermine democratic decision-making.
“In this digital age, disinformation, misinformation, and fake news can distort the electoral process,” Akufo-Addo said. He encouraged journalists to prioritize accuracy over sensationalism, adding, “The media’s role is vital in helping voters make informed choices.”
The President acknowledged the indispensable role the media played in past elections, from monitoring polling stations to reporting irregularities and giving a voice to citizens. He commended journalists for their diligence, attributing Ghana’s peaceful power transitions to their integrity and commitment.
Call for media vigilance
Akufo-Addo urged journalists to remain vigilant, as the stakes are higher than ever for the upcoming elections. He reaffirmed his commitment to a free and vibrant press, underlining its importance for Ghana’s democracy.
“I remain deeply committed to ensuring that the media in Ghana remains free, vibrant, and independent. Your work is essential to the strength of our democracy, the integrity of our elections, and the progress of our nation,” the President said.
He also highlighted the need for journalists to rise to the challenge, ensuring their coverage is not only fair but also accurate as information spreads rapidly across social media platforms. Akufo-Addo emphasized that journalism must be about providing reliable information that strengthens democracy, not about generating headlines for profit.
Recognizing journalistic excellence
The event also celebrated journalistic excellence. Edward Adeti of Media Without Borders was named the P.V. Ansah Journalist of the Year at the GJA Media Awards.
Akufo-Addo praised the media’s contribution to democracy and underscored the need for professionalism, especially during the election period.
He concluded by reminding journalists that their work is vital to the progress of the nation, adding that the integrity of the electoral process relies significantly on their commitment to accuracy and fairness.
