President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has advised Ghanaian journalists to refrain from spreading misinformation in the upcoming general elections.
Such actions, he lamented, could compromise the integrity of the electoral process.
Speaking at the 28th Ghana Journalists Association’s (GJA) Media Awards and 75th anniversary in Accra on September 28, he said the media plays a vital role in any democracy, serving as the cornerstone of truth and accountability.
He opined that by providing accurate and timely information, journalists empower citizens to make informed decisions, especially during elections.
He posted that the media serve as watchdogs who hold power to account, expose corruption, and ensure that governments remain transparent and responsive to the people they serve.
To him, free and independent media is essential to a thriving democracy, and it is through their tireless work that Ghana continues to build and sustain its democratic foundations.
He charged journalists to be gatekeepers of truth, prioritising facts over falsehoods.
“Every four years, Ghanaians go to the polls to choose their leaders, and in that process, the media plays an indispensable role. It’s through your work that citizens are informed about the policies of political parties, the integrity of candidates and the issues that matter most to their lives.
“The responsibility of the media during elections cannot be overstated. You have been at the forefront, monitoring polls, reporting on potential irregularities, and ensuring that the voices of the electorate are heard. Peaceful transitions of power that we have been seeing in Ghana are no small part due to the diligence and integrity of the media.
“But times are changing; in this digital age, we face many new challenges: disinformation, misinformation, fake news, and sensationalism that can distort the electoral process. While technology has democratised information, it has also created new vulnerabilities.
“In the age of social media, where information travels faster than ever, journalists must rise to the occasion by being the gatekeepers of the truth, ensuring that facts prevail over falsehoods. As we prepare for another election cycle, I call on the media to continue its vital work, reporting with integrity, ensuring fairness in coverage, and providing voters with the accurate, timely, and comprehensive information they need to make informed decisions.”
He added, “The stakes are high, and your role has never been more crucial. I stand before you not only as president of the Republic but as someone who has worked alongside the media on this journey to freedom and democracy.”
He also reaffirmed my government’s commitment to press freedom, having repealed the Criminal Libel Law and passed the Right to Information Act, both of which empower the media to perform its critical function without fear of persecution.
He extended his heartfelt gratitude to Ghana’s journalists for their dedication, resilience, and courage, adding that they have been an indispensable partner in our democratic growth.
“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.”
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
