The Nationwide Peace Council (NPC) has urged the media to assist fight misinformation and hate speech forward of the December 7 normal election.
The Chairman of the NPC, Rev. Dr Ernest Adu Gyamfi, mentioned misinformation may erode belief within the democratic system and affect public opinion, thus, swaying the end result of elections.
He, subsequently, advised the media to hitch forces with the council to develop methods to curb the phenomenon.
Rev. Dr Ernest Adu Gyamfi, who was talking at an editors’ discussion board in Accra final Wednesday, highlighted the risks of hate speech, which, he mentioned, undermined democracy and equality.
Additionally current on the occasion, which was on the theme: “Selling conflict-sensitive reporting for a peaceable election,” had been members of the NPC governing board.
Dedication
Rev. Dr Adu Gyamfi pressured the dedication of the council to make sure a peaceable and credible election course of.
He mentioned it was according to that the council organised the discussion board with media editors to debate options to these challenges.
“We consider that by working collectively, we are able to leverage our experience to implement efficient options to those points. “It’s only by doing in order that we are able to make sure the election would replicate the desire of the individuals,” the chairman mentioned.
He additional mentioned that the NPC had undertaken a sequence of programmes and actions to make sure a peaceable setting earlier than, throughout and after the 2024 elections.
“To make sure a peaceable setting, we’ve engaged stakeholders in varied constituencies, developed a roadmap to counter election violence, and facilitated dialogues between political events and safety businesses,” the chairman added.
He mentioned with help from the United Nations Workplace in West Africa and the Sahel, they had been embarking on consensus-building dialogues in 5 chosen regional capitals forward of the December polls.
Rev. Dr Adu Gyamfi additionally mentioned that the council held conferences with the events, and had additionally arrange what he known as a political celebration code of conduct committee.
Truth-checking
The Vice-President of the Ghana Journalists Affiliation (GJA), Linda Asante Adjei, advised editors and reporters to carefully fact-check and debunk misinformation as election day drew nearer.
“We also needs to keep away from sensationalism and inflammatory language by offering content material that balances views, amplifies marginalised voices and in addition entertains numerous viewpoints.
“To our political, we urge you to marketing campaign on points, not insults. Keep away from divisive rhetoric and inflammatory language and allow us to respect democratic processes and establishments.
“To our civil society organisations, allow us to promote schooling and inclusive participation, help confidence reporting and encourage peaceable dialogue and debates,” she mentioned.
“To the residents, allow us to demand fact-based reporting and correct info from our flesh pressers and in addition our media. Collectively, we are able to create a peaceable and democratic nation that all of us need,” she mentioned.
Panel dialogue
There was additionally a panel dialogue by the Political Editor of the Day by day Graphic, Albert Salia; Editor-in-Chief, of Ghana Broadcasting Company On-line, Rebecca Ekpe, and Samuel O. Frempong, Editor, Ghana Information Company.
It was moderated by the Regional Coordinator, Analysis and Capability Constructing, West Africa Community for Peacebuilding, Dr Festus Aubyn.
Mr Salia admonished journalists to be cautious of their makes an attempt to be the primary to interrupt the information, stressing that “in your need to interrupt the information, it’s possible you’ll be breaking the nation as a result of the knowledge might be false which is able to result in confusion”.
He additionally suggested journalists to be guided by the mantra of reality over velocity and guarantee they domesticate sources who can present the best info, including that the nationwide curiosity should override all different pursuits.