The Electoral Commission (EC) declares that it will be open to public examination and critique of its operations, particularly in the run-up to the country’s pivotal 2024 election. But, it insists that this be done in an impartial and open manner.
That would guarantee national security, peace, and the survival of the nation’s democracy, according to EC Chairwoman Mrs. Jean Mensa.
“We at the EC are not above scrutiny. Scrutinise and critique our work as your role requires but do so with objectivity. Criticisms laced with insults and falsehood should be beneath you,”
She said this on Sunday to the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) members.
She mentioned this in her keynote speech at the 27th GJAAwards, which were held at the Accra International Conference Center.
“Leveraging Media Freedom to Sustain the Democratic and Security Architecture: The Litmus Test of Election 2024” was the focus of the discussion.
The EC President stated that there was a lot riding on the 2024 election since it may create or break security and peace.
“We are partners in this quest to build our nation. We should put our nation first and work to ensure that irrespective of our political divide, our actions and activities inure to the benefit of our dear country.”
She consequently pleaded with the media to understand the careful balance that must be maintained in order to protect Ghana’s democracy, peace, and harmony.
“The 2024 Election will be more than democratic exercise, it is the test of our nation’s resilience.”
“As journalists, you’ll play a crucial role in building up that resilience. You’re the ears, eyes and hearts of the citizens,” she said.
According to Mrs. Mensa, journalists have the power to favorably or negatively affect the country, thus it is imperative that the truth be maintained at all times.
“Ensure that your work goes beyond mere rhetoric to practising responsible journalism”, She chastised and recognized the media’s groundbreaking role in guiding and forming the country’s democracy throughout time.
The head of the European Commission scolded certain media organizations for serving as platforms for the propagation of disinformation and propaganda, which polarized the public along political party lines. She asserted that the media has to take up its duty of advancing honesty, truth, and transparency.
“Your work as journalists will impact positively or negatively on our dear nation. As the Fourth Estate, you’re not only facets of our democracy, you’re its bedrock, beacon of truth.”
“You’re the guardians of transparency. You’re the vanguard for freedom, catalyst for informing and shaping public debate.”
According to her, the National Media Commission is responsible for enforcing stringent adherence to media ethics, setting the bar for truth and respect, and disciplining rule-breakers. The public has to be perceptive and insist on the truth from the media at all times.
“The power of the pen is unmatched and, therefore, must always engage in fact-checking of every information received thoroughly to avoid misinforming the public.”
34 prizes total—including the Journalist of the Year title—were given to media outlets and journalists for their outstanding reporting and hard work. Mr. Erasmus Asare Donkor, a broadcast journalist with Multimedia Group, was named the winner.
Fred Duhoe of Citi FM won the prize for Best TV News Reporter.
