The United States Embassy is collaborating with the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) to execute a 10-month project aimed at fostering peace before, during, and after the 2024 general election.
Dubbed “Journalists for Peaceful Discourse,” the project aims to establish peaceful platforms within the media landscape where issues can be discussed impartially. Selected journalists nationwide are undergoing training to promote violence-free and credible elections under the theme “Promoting Peaceful Journalistic Media Platforms Ahead of Elections 2024.”
One such training session recently took place in Fumesua, Ashanti Region, attended by media personnel from Ashanti, Ahafo, Bono, and Bono East Regions. Representatives from the GJA, US Embassy, National Media Commission (NMC), Ghana Police Service, Electoral Commission, National Democratic Congress (NDC), and New Patriotic Party (NPP) also participated.
Albert Kwabena Dwumfour, President of the GJA, expressed optimism that the project would revolutionize the approach of journalists to election coverage, aiming to minimize excesses in reporting. He emphasized the importance of ensuring responsibility alongside freedom of expression, especially in the face of increasing misinformation and hate speech on social media.
Dwumfour raised concerns about recent attacks on journalists and urged relevant authorities to take swift action to stop this trend. He appealed to the diplomatic community, particularly the US Embassy, to denounce politicians who target journalists, serving as a deterrent to others.
Yaw Boadu Ayeboadu, Chairman of the NMC, reminded journalists of their duty to serve the public with diligence, honesty, and objectivity. He cautioned against unethical practices in news gathering, emphasizing the need to prioritize the public interest above all else.
Kelvin Brosnahan, Press Attaché at the US Embassy, emphasized Ghana's history of peaceful elections and transitions of power. He underscored the importance of protecting democracy, highlighting journalism's crucial role in safeguarding democratic institutions.
Brosnahan affirmed the Embassy's commitment to supporting Ghana's democracy, noting that combatting election misinformation was part of their dedication to fostering democracy and supporting Ghanaians.