The chairperson of the Electoral Commission, Mrs. Jean Mensa, has admonished journalists to be professional in their reporting, as their role can either build or disrupt a nation.
The EC made this essential statement while addressing participants at the 27th Ghana Journalists Association Awards held at the Accra International Conference Center on October 29, 2023.
“It is of utmost importance that the media acknowledge the gravity of this responsibility and exercise due caution in their activities in the lead-up to the elections and beyond. As guardians of our democracy, the media carries the profound responsibility of protecting our institutions and preserving the peace, security, and stability of our beloved nation. Your conduct and actions have the power to either build or disrupt our nation, as evidenced by the tragic case of disinformation in Rwanda. Conversely, accurate and timely reporting by the media can help secure and maintain the security and stability of our nation,” she noted.
As the nation heads towards the election year of 2024, the EC boss charged journalists to report accurate information that will embrace peace to foster democracy in the nation.
“You are indeed the 4th Estate of the Realm, a statement that is not just a cliché but a profound reality. While your unique role grants you rights and freedoms, it equally demands accountability and responsibility. It requires you to report the truth, provide fair, credible, and impartial platforms for discussions, challenge and uncover societal issues, and ideally advocate for policy changes that benefit all citizens”.
Mrs. Mensa further noted that the Electoral Commission as a democratic institution is not above criticism, but the media must do that with objectivity and candour.
“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 noted.