By Samuel SAM
President of the Ghana Journalist Association (GJA), Albert Kwabena Dwumfour, has reiterated the GJA’s commitment to using all legal means to defend journalists targeted by politicians, especially during election periods.
Recognising the crucial role journalists play in ensuring peaceful and tranquil elections, Dwumfour emphasised the need for media personnel and organisations to adhere to the GJA code of ethics and the Constitution of Ghana to prevent chaos.
Speaking at the closing ceremony of a two-day training workshop in Tamale, Dwumfour stressed the importance of journalists protecting and deepening democracy by disseminating fact-checked information. He highlighted the significance of the upcoming General Election on December 7, 2024 and the dual impact of the digital era on the electoral process.
The workshop, organised by UNESCO and themed ‘Election in the Digital Age: Countering Hate Speech and Misinformation on Social Media Platforms for Peaceful Elections’, aimed to build the capacities of journalists from the Northern, Savannah and Upper West Regions.
It was held in collaboration with the Ghana Independent Broadcasters Association (GIBA) and the Private Newspapers and Online News Publishers Association of Ghana (PRINPAG), with support from the UNESCO multi-donor programme on Freedom of Expression and Safety of Journalists (MDP).
Dwumfour urged journalists to counter hate speech, misinformation and disinformation, using their professionalism to foster peace. He also called on politicians to respect journalists, emphasising that the GJA would not tolerate any violence against media practitioners. He warned politicians who cannot accommodate journalists to stay away from them.
Dr. Wilberforce S. Dzisah, Head of the Department of Liberal Arts and Communication Studies at the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA), advised journalists to verify information before dissemination to prevent the spread of hate speech and misinformation.
He stressed the importance of securing freedom of expression and access to information while addressing harmful online content.
UNESCO’s Programme Officer, Hamid Yakub, reiterated UNESCO’s commitment to the welfare of the media in Ghana. He explained that ahead of the December 7, 2024 elections, UNESCO has commenced training for journalists from print, online, TV and radio across Accra, Kumasi and Tamale to update them on international norms and standards on freedom of expression as well as sensitise them to the impact of hate speech during elections.
Participants also received training on the impact of social media, artificial intelligence (AI), big data and machine learning on the electoral process, facilitated by Ismail Nii Akwei. Yakub advised media practitioners to be vigilant about the information they disseminate, especially during elections, and to ensure that online abuse of women does not find space on their platforms.
