Ahead of the upcoming 2024 general elections, Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), has shown its readiness to safeguard the lives of journalists in election related cases during and after the general elections.
GJA mainly focused to achieve higher professional standards, to promote and defend press freedom and to create solidarity among Ghanaian journalists.
GJA as part of its vision has been embarking on educational programs, workshops, seminars and lectures on issues relevant to media development and growth for journalists.
The President of the GJA, Albert Kwabena Dwumfour assured that the GJA will not allow people to attack journalists in the election period.
He said that GJA will not entertain attacks by people on Journalists during this year’s elections.
Speaking at a workshop organized by the GJA and US embassy in the Greater Accra region, Mr Albert Dwumfour explained the objective of the workshop was to Promote violent free and credible elections in Ghana in 2024 through well-informed and trained journalists who use best practices for fact-based and non-partisan election reporting.
Mr Albert Dwumfour assured that GJA is ready to defend journalists in all their activities as the country is approaching the 2024 elections.
He continued that the workshop was to enhance knowledge of Journalists for peaceful and smooth elections in the country.
Mr Albert Dwumfour said that GJA believes that freedom of expression does not only mean allowing people to speak, but also ensuring responsibility, knowing there is the need to protect the very space used for free speech.
‘‘In this proliferation of social media era where all manner of hate-speech, disinformation and misinformation are churned out, there is no doubt that this project would help in nipping the aforesaid in the bud. What is more disturbing about disinformation and fake news is that they are the mechanism through which information are weaponized. And the earlier we confront this danger, the better,’’ he affirmed.
He said that the findings of a GJA and NMC media monitoring during the December 7, 2020 elections aimed at contributing to peaceful and credible polls revealed that incitement on media platforms topped the types of violence perpetrated during the elections.
Mr Albert Dwumfour stated that as part of the workshop, GJA seeks to achieve the following
- Offer professional development to Online Editors/Producers/On Air Personalities/Talk Show Hosts aimed at building their knowledge base in contributing to violent free platforms. This professional development will be provided by industry-leading experts, researchers, and academics.
- Promote long-term learning among participants who would contribute to upholding freedom of expression and credible polls by initiating Journalists for Peaceful discourse mini-projects.
- Encourage information sharing with Election related entities to better inform the work of the EC and related entities with the view to promoting freedom of expression for violent free and credible polls.
- GJA will also create a platform to share best practices on Elections among journalists.
Mr Albert Dwumfour averred that election 2024 will be held against the backdrop of insecurity, terrorism and insurgency, in the region of West Africa, coupled with challenges with the economy with Inflation hitting highs, hence dwarfing the people’s purchasing power.
He cited that all these factors point to a heightened and tense atmosphere, raising the need to ensure that Journalists/ Talk Show hosts in their agenda setting role, maintain an atmosphere that encourages discussion of policy issues, while promoting and protecting the space for peaceful discourse, integral to a successful peaceful election in December, 2024.
He indicated that the US Embassy Ghana Office has since 2012, supported the GJA to run election programs which provide a platform for Journalists, Media Owners and Civil Society to reflect on the performance of the media in previous elections.
He cautioned participants to take the workshop seriously and actively participate in the discussions.
US Ambassador to Ghana, Virginia Palmer on her part urged the media to report on factual stories in their activities.
She added that the US embassy team will focus on this year’s elections with peaceful measures.
International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), Diplomatic missions in Accra, including US Embassy in Accra, CSOs, NGOs and governmental institutions are partners that provide financial, capacity-building support to enhance professionalism and higher journalistic standards in various projects implemented by GJA.
Source:Mybrytfmonline.com/Solomon Nartey
