Rev. Dr. Emmanuel Ansah, an observer with the Civil Forum Initiative and Vice President of Institute for Democratic Governance (IDEG) in the ongoing presidential and parliamentary elections, has cautioned the media to desist from raising false alarms.
He advised the media to report accurately on the elections to prevent creating unnecessary tension.
He raised the concern while speaking exclusively to Rainbow Radio’s Boshyeba Afriyie in the Ayawaso West Wuogon constituency.
Dr. Ansah, during the interview, indicated that from the observation they made so far, he would say the exercise has been generally smooth.
He said with the exception of a machine that stopped working and was later resolved,’I have not heard of any challenge affecting the ongoing process. Some of the polling stations have long queues. But I believe that as the day goes by, the exercise would be smooth and clean.
He added that as observers, our focus is not to endorse any candidate. Our desire is to see that the elections are organised smoothly without any form of incident.
’I would, however, use this opportunity to advise the media to desist from raising false alarms. If you observe something and you are sure about it, seek clarity and avoid raising a false alarm about it,’’ he added.
The reporter also revealed that former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan, leading a group of West African observers, has also been to the polling station and other stations.
Mr. Jonathan stated that he advised Ghanaians to go to the polls and cast their ballots in a peaceful manner while stressing the need for the political actors to remain committed to ensuring a peaceful process.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
