The Ghana Police Service has reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding media personnel during the 2024 general elections.
This assurance was emphasised during a stakeholder meeting on Wednesday, November 20, 2024, at the police headquarters in Accra.
The engagement, led by Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, included senior journalists and news editors.
In his address, Dr. Dampare underscored the critical role of the media as a key stakeholder in the electoral process, emphasising the importance of ensuring their safety to enable them to perform their duties effectively as the fourth estate.
He highlighted Ghana’s reputation as a democratic leader in Africa, attributing this success to strong collaboration between institutions like the police and the media.
As part of the security framework, the police announced the deployment of liaison officers for all media houses nationwide.
These officers will serve as direct points of contact between the police and media organisations, addressing security concerns and ensuring swift responses to issues.
Additionally, the police have introduced a dedicated toll-free hotline in collaboration with telecommunications companies.
This number will allow journalists and the public to report incidents or share critical information directly with the police.
Dr. Dampare urged journalists to uphold the highest standards of accuracy in their reporting, cautioning against misinformation and disinformation that could disrupt national stability.
He encouraged media professionals to contribute to a peaceful and transparent electoral process while remaining unbiased in their coverage.
The IGP also called on all stakeholders to work together to make the 2024 elections a landmark event in Ghana’s democratic history, characterised by peace, security, and order.
With these measures in place, the Police Service expressed confidence that journalists would be able to carry out their responsibilities without fear or interference, further solidifying Ghana’s standing as a model of democracy and stability in the region.