The Chairperson for the Electoral Commission, Jean Mensah, has urged media professionals to uphold Fact-checking and research ahead of election 2024.
The EC Boss made this statement while delivering the keynote address at the 27th Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) awards at the Accra International Conference Center.
Madam Jean Mensah mentioned that as the country goes to polls in December 2024, it is important to note that media freedom while sacrosanct does not equate to freedom to deceive.
“As we go to the polls in December 2024, it is important that you bear in mind that media freedom while sacrosanct does not equate to freedom to deceive. You should rise and take up your roles as custodians of the truth. You are duty-bound to do so.”
“That said, do note that we at the Electoral Commission are not above scrutiny. Scrutinize and critique our work, as your role requires, but do so objectively. Criticism laced with insults and falsehood should be beneath you.”
Using Rwanda as a case study Madam Jean Mensah cautioned the media against disinformation and falsehood adding that it has turned friends and neighbours into enemies and culminated in a dark chapter of human history.
The 27th GJA Awards was held under the theme “Leveraging Media Freedom to Sustain the Democratic and Security Architecture: The Litmus Test of 2024 Elections”.
