Ahead of Ghana’s upcoming general elections on December 7th, the Minister of Information, Hon. Fatimatu Abubakar, has called on journalists and media practitioners to prioritize peace and security in their reporting to ensure the country’s stability.
Speaking at a workshop organized by the Private Newspapers and Online Publishers Association of Ghana (PRINPAG) in Somanya, Eastern Region on Friday, the Minister emphasized the critical role of the media in upholding national harmony during this sensitive period.
The workshop, under the theme “Empowering Journalists for Credible Elections: Enhancing Reporting and Fact-Checking Skills,” aimed at equipping journalists with the necessary tools to combat misinformation and promote accurate reporting throughout the electoral process.
This workshop formed part of PRINPAG’s broader efforts, aims to prepare journalists for their pivotal role in ensuring transparency and accountability during the upcoming December elections.
Hon. Abubakar stressed the importance of responsible journalism, urging media professionals to expose misconduct while safeguarding Ghana’s democratic integrity. She noted that misinformation and disinformation have the potential to incite violence and disrupt the democratic process, making it crucial for journalists to remain vigilant and committed to factual reporting.
The Minister also emphasized the increasing influence of technology, particularly artificial intelligence (AI), on the media landscape.
She cautioned that the rise of AI tools, which blur the lines between professional journalism and unverified content, poses a challenge to journalists who must now work harder to maintain credibility and trustworthiness in the digital age.
Addressing the issue of misinformation, Hon. Abubakar pointed to several recent examples in Ghana, such as a widely circulated false claim about a supposed world record achievement, to demonstrate how easily inaccurate information can spread.
She urged journalists to adopt rigorous fact-checking measures to prevent such falsehoods from gaining traction, citing the importance of real-time verification in today’s fast-paced media environment.
“Journalists hold a crucial responsibility to ensure that their platforms promote peace and do not contribute to chaos,” she remarked.
Various experts at the workshop reiterated the need for accuracy and impartiality in election coverage.
Mr. John Appiah Baffour, the Eastern Regional Director of the Electoral Commission, highlighted the dangers of misinformation during elections, encouraging journalists to focus on delivering clear, truthful information to the public.
Dr. Kwame Asah-Asante, a retired journalist, reminded participants of the need for objectivity in their reporting, warning against personal biases and inflammatory language that could inflame tensions.
He also urged the media to avoid obstructing the work of the Electoral Commission, advising them instead to report any irregularities through the appropriate channels.
The workshop also highlighted the importance of continuous learning for journalists. Eric Tetteh, Municipal Chief Executive for Yilo Krobo, encouraged media professionals to embrace ongoing professional development to stay ahead in a rapidly evolving field.
Kwaku Krobea Asante, Senior Programme Manager at the Media Foundation for West Africa, provided practical insights into fact-checking and using technology to detect fake news, equipping participants with tools to identify and combat misinformation effectively.
