A research conducted by the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) and the National Media Commission(NMC) has revealed that incitement on media platforms topped types of violence perpetrated during the 2020 elections.
This was revealed by the GJA President, Mr Albert Kwabena Dwumfour at the GJA/US Embassy Ghana Elections 2024 Project launch dubbed ‘Journalists for Peaceful Discourse’ which was held in Accra on Thursday, November 9, 2023.
The Journalists for Peaceful Discourse is a 10 -month project that seeks to provide the opportunity to uphold the tenets of press freedom and freedom of expression while promoting professionalism, and empowering the Media and related entities to contribute to violence-free and credible polls next year.
It is also an opportunity to exchange knowledge and foster an environment conducive to discussions on safeguarding freedom of speech and building strong electoral and democratic institutions.
Speaking at the launch, the GJA President, Mr Albert Kwabena Dwumfour said that,”Indeed, findings of a GJA/NMC Media Monitoring during the December 7, 2020 elections aimed at contributing to peaceful and credible Polls revealed that incitement on media platforms topped types of violence perpetrated during the election. This is the reason why I keep admonishing media practitioners and institutions to be very professional in the discharge of their duties.”
He cautioned that the GJA does not and will not, condone unprofessional conduct from media practitioners or media houses that allow their platforms to be used to incite violence.
“We will not shield or provide cover for deviants of professionalism. As mentioned in my address at the 27th GJA Awards, in the coming days or weeks, we shall roll out a monitoring mechanism based on which we shall call out media practitioners and institutions that lower the bar of professionalism,” he warned.
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Meanwhile, Mr Dwumfour noted that the upcoming election is crucial; therefore, the media and the inky fraternity have a bigger role to play in safeguarding Ghana’s democracy.
“This is why the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) carefully selected, “Leveraging Media Freedom to Sustain the Democratic and Security Architecture: The Litmus Test of Election 2024” as the theme for this year’s Media Awards, which was held on 29th October 2023 at the Accra International Conference Center,” he said.
Speaking about the project, he said the objective of the project is to safeguard the freedom of the press while advancing credible and violence-free elections via peaceful media platforms before, during, and after the 2024 presidential election.
“As we all know, participation is the foundation of a credible election, and participation necessitates that individuals are free to express themselves without fear of intimidation and make well-informed decisions.
Freedom of expression does not only mean allowing people to speak but also ensuring responsibility,” he said.
The GJA President said under the project, professional development will be offered to Online Editors, Producers, on-air personalities, and talk show hosts to build their knowledge base in contributing to violence-free platforms.He noted that this professional development will be provided by industry experts, researchers, and academics.
“It will also promote long-term learning among participants that would contribute to upholding freedom of expression and credible polls by initiating Journalists for Peaceful Discourse mini-projects,” he said.
Mr Dwumfour added that, “It will help journalists know the rules governing elections and know the do’s and don’ts when covering such sensitive national assignments. It will also encourage information sharing with Election- related entities to better inform the work of the EC and related entities with the view to promoting freedom of expression for violent free and credible polls.”
He said the project will also create a platform for GJA and working journalists to share learning moments and best practices on elections in Ghana.
Mr Dwumfour therefore urged members of the media to take advantage of the project to enhance professional capacity to contribute to a peaceful and credible election in 2024.
Ghana| Atinkaonline.com| Porcia Oforiwaa Ofori
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