Prioritise Ghana’s Stability in Election Reporting – Minister of Information Urges Journalists
The Minister for Information, Hon. Fatimatu Abubakar, has called on journalists to prioritize the peace, security, and stability of Ghana in their reporting ahead of the December 7 general elections.
Speaking at a capacity-building workshop organized by the Private Newspapers and Online Publishers Association of Ghana (PRINPAG), the Minister emphasized the crucial role of the media in maintaining national stability during the election period.
At the workshop, themed “Empowering Journalists for Credible Elections: Enhancing Reporting and Fact-Checking Skills,” Hon. Abubakar urged journalists to combat the spread of misinformation and disinformation, which could undermine the democratic process. She called on media practitioners to ensure that they expose wrongdoers, noting that the media’s role in safeguarding Ghana’s democratic integrity is paramount.
The Role of Technology and Professionalism in Media
The Minister highlighted the evolving nature of media, particularly with the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) and its influence on the information landscape. She stressed that as the digital space grows more complex, journalists must work to distinguish themselves from non-professional content creators by maintaining high standards of accuracy and ethics.
“With advanced tools like AI shaping the media landscape, the online space has become even more complicated, making it imperative for journalists to distinguish between professional journalism and casual, often inaccurate content creation,” Hon. Abubakar stated.
She also raised concerns about the growing global trend of misinformation, which has permeated the Ghanaian media. The Minister cited recent cases of misinformation, including a false claim that a Ghanaian man had won the Guinness World Record for the longest cooking marathon, as an example of how easily incorrect information can spread.
Combating Misinformation and Ensuring Peace
Hon. Abubakar underscored the importance of rigorous fact-checking in news reporting, pointing to the recent U.S. presidential debate, where moderators swiftly fact-checked candidates’ statements. She urged Ghanaian journalists to adopt a similar approach to safeguard the country’s stability.
“Politicians bear a responsibility to ensure that after the election, we still have a peaceful and united Ghana. The role of the media in this is crucial, as your platforms can either fuel peace or incite chaos,” she noted.
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The Minister reminded the media of their constitutional freedoms under the 1992 Constitution of Ghana, which guarantees press freedom without censorship. However, she emphasized that this freedom comes with the responsibility to uphold ethical standards to protect the nation’s peace.
PRINPAG’s Commitment to Responsible Journalism
The president of PRINPAG, Mr. Andrew Edwin Arthur, echoed the Minister’s sentiments, urging journalists to avoid allowing their platforms to be used for intemperate political discourse. He highlighted the media’s power in shaping public opinion and called for responsible journalism, especially in the run-up to the December 2024 elections.
“Let us not allow politicians to channel through us intemperate language, words of hatred, and violence that could lead this nation into chaos,” Mr. Arthur warned.
He also raised concerns about the politicization of the media and the declining standards within the profession, noting that greed and the lack of adherence to journalistic ethics are threatening the credibility of the press in Ghana. “The media’s powerful role as the fourth estate is being eroded by fragmentation, greed, and lack of adherence to journalistic ethics,” Mr. Arthur said, calling for urgent reforms.
Launch of PRINPAG’s Code of Ethics
As part of PRINPAG’s efforts to restore public trust and enhance media credibility, Mr. Arthur announced the upcoming launch of a Code of Ethics that would serve as a guide for journalists to maintain professional standards.
He also warned that PRINPAG would not hesitate to take disciplinary action against members who violate these standards, ensuring that errant journalists are held accountable.
“PRINPAG’s leadership is committed to ensuring that any member who breaches the association’s ethical guidelines will face our disciplinary committee,” Mr. Arthur assured.
The workshop also focused on equipping journalists with the skills necessary to report impartially on the upcoming elections.
PRINPAG’s Executive Secretary, Jeorge Wilson Kingson, emphasized the importance of fact-checking in an era of rampant misinformation.
He urged journalists to apply the techniques learned during the workshop to ensure their reporting is accurate, impartial, and credible.
Mr Jeorge highlighted that the workshop is part of PRINPAG’s broader effort to enhance professionalism in the media and ensure peaceful and credible elections in December.
Expert Presentations on Election Reporting
Several experts in election reporting and media ethics also shared their insights at the workshop.
Mr. John Appiah Baffour, Eastern Regional Director of the Electoral Commission, warned against the dangers of misinformation during elections, cautioning journalists to avoid stirring confusion and instead focus on providing clear, accurate information to the public.
Dr. Kwame Asah-Asante, a retired journalist, urged journalists to remain objective in their election coverage, avoiding the injection of personal feelings or biases into their reports.
He also stressed the importance of adhering to the ethics of the profession and warned against inflammatory language that could escalate tensions.
“Journalists must guard against hate speech and ensure they do not interfere with the work of the Electoral Commission. Instead, they should report any perceived irregularities to election officials,” Dr. Asah-Asante advised.
Eric Tetteh, the Municipal Chief Executive for Yilo Krobo, also spoke at the event, encouraging journalists to embrace continuous professional development. “Success in any profession comes from constant learning and adaptation,” Tetteh said, urging journalists to take advantage of opportunities to enhance their skills.
Kwaku Krobea Asante, Senior Programme Manager at the Media Foundation of West Africa took participants through facts -checking and other technology ways of detecting fake news.
The workshop, organized as part of PRINPAG’s ongoing efforts to prepare journalists for the December 2024 elections, aimed to ensure that the media plays a pivotal role in promoting transparency and accountability in the electoral process.
For more information, contact ExpressNewsGhana via email at expressnewsgh@gmail.com or WhatsApp at +233 0543 900 732.
Source: Felix Nyaaba // ExpressNewsGhana.com
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