GJA President urges media to avoid sensationalism and bias ahead of the December polls

The President of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), Albert Kwabena Dwumfour, has urged the media to diligently fact-check and dispel falsehoods as the country prepares for the 2024 general elections. 

Speaking at the inauguration event of the 28th GJA Awards, President of the Association,  Albert Kwabena Dwumfour underlined the media's critical role in shaping public opinion, holding officials responsible, and guaranteeing transparency in government.

According to him, inorder to support democratic governance and peaceful elections, media outlets must be intentional about the information they transmit.

He also encouraged the media to preserve fairness and balance in their reportage prior to, during, and after the impending general election.

The nine-member awards committee of the GJA is chaired by George-Ramsey Benamba, Chief Editor of Ghana News Agency(GNA). 

Jamila Akweley Okertchiri, Editor of the Daily Guide Network, Loretta Vanderpuye, Regional Director of the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation, Joana Afua Mensah, News Editor of United Television (UTV), and Isaac Yeboah, Senior Editor of Myjoyonline.com , William Asiedu, Head of News, 3FM, Michael Quaye, Deputy News Editor at Daily Graphic, International Photojournalist Nana Kofi Acquah, and Isaac Nuamah Yeboah, News Director at Atinka Media Village constitute the awards committee.

In addition to supporting accurate and fair reporting, the GJA president urged journalists to diligently fight misinformation.

"The media has the power to influence voter behaviour and hold leaders accountable. I must emphasise, however, that with this power of the media, comes a great responsibility to ensure democratic governance and peaceful elections."

“The media must provide balanced and impartial reporting and avoid sensationalism and bias, focus on issue-based reporting, rather than personality-driven coverage. Give voice to diverse perspectives, including marginalised communities and fact-check and debunk misinformation."

"In an era where fake news, polarising narratives and disinformation spread like wildfire, it was therefore important for the media to remain alert and fact-check what comes through to them."

“It is the only way, as the fourth Estate of the Realm, we can be said to be playing our constitutionally mandated role," he stated.

Source : Lead News Online