President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has called on Ghanaian journalists to avoid disseminating misinformation that could jeopardize the integrity of the electoral process.
During the 28th Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) Media Awards and the celebration of its 75th anniversary in Accra on September 28, he stressed the critical need for journalists to report with integrity.
He urged them to ensure fairness in their coverage and provide accurate information to empower voters in making informed decisions ahead of the 2024 general elections.
Akufo-Addo underscored the media’s vital role as gatekeepers of truth, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing facts over falsehoods.
While he acknowledged the media’s significant contributions in past elections, he warned against the risks posed by fake news and sensationalism in today’s digital landscape, which can distort electoral outcomes.
“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 electorates are heard. Peaceful transitions of power that we have been seeing in Ghana are no small parts due to the diligence and integrity of the media.
He emphasised, “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.”
The President highlighted the media’s responsibility during elections, pointing out their efforts in monitoring polls, reporting irregularities, and amplifying the voices of the electorate.
He noted that the peaceful transitions of power observed in Ghana owe much to the diligence and integrity of the media.
However, he acknowledged the changing landscape brought about by technology, saying, “While technology has democratized information, it has also introduced new challenges, including disinformation, misinformation, and sensationalism that can distort the electoral process.”
In this digital age, where information spreads rapidly, he urged journalists to rise to the occasion by serving as guardians of truth, ensuring that facts take precedence over falsehoods.
He appealed to the media to uphold their critical role in the upcoming election cycle by delivering accurate, timely, and comprehensive information.
Akufo-Addo reaffirmed his dedication to maintaining a free and vibrant press, recognizing its essential function in Ghana’s democracy, particularly as the nation prepares for the 2024 elections.