President Akufo-Addo has urged Ghanaian journalists to avoid spreading misinformation that could undermine the electoral process.
Speaking at the 28th Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) Media Awards and the 75th anniversary celebration in Accra on September 28, he stressed the significance of integrity in reporting, fairness in coverage, and providing voters with accurate information to make informed choices ahead of the 2024 general elections.
Akufo-Addo described journalists as “gatekeepers of truth,” emphasizing the need to prioritize facts over falsehoods. He recognized the media’s critical role in past elections but also warned of the dangers posed by “fake news and sensationalism in the digital age,” which can distort the electoral process.
“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,” he said.
He underscored the media’s responsibility during elections, stating, “You have been at the forefront, monitoring polls, reporting on potential irregularities, and ensuring that the voices of the electorates 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.”
Highlighting the challenges posed by the digital age, he warned, “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 the country approaches another election cycle, he called on the media to continue its essential work, urging them to “report with integrity, ensuring fairness in coverage, and providing voters with the accurate, timely, and comprehensive information they need to make informed decisions.”
President Akufo-Addo reiterated, “The stakes are high and your role has never been more crucial. I stand before you not only as a president of the Republic but as someone who has worked alongside the media on this journey to freedom and democracy.”
Reaffirming his commitment to a “free and vibrant press,” he stressed its importance in Ghana’s democracy, particularly as the nation gears up for the 2024 elections.
“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,” he concluded.