Chairman of Peace Council urges Media to Combat Hate Speech and Misinformation ahead of 2024 Elections

The Chairman of the National Peace Council (NPC), Rev. Dr. Ernest Adu-Gyamfi, has called on media professionals to collaborate in addressing the growing concerns of hate speech, misinformation, and disinformation as Ghana prepares for the 2024 general elections. Speaking at the Editors Forum held at the Coconut Grove Hotel in Accra on Wednesday, March 21, 2024, Rev. Dr. Adu-Gyamfi emphasized the critical role of the media in promoting conflict-sensitive reporting to safeguard the integrity of the upcoming elections.

Under the theme “Promoting Conflict-Sensitive Reporting Before, During, and After the 2024 General Elections,” Rev. Dr. Adu-Gyamfi highlighted the potential challenges that the 2024 elections present to Ghana’s democracy. He emphasized the importance of the National Peace Council’s efforts to build sustainable peace in the country by engaging in dialogues and fostering cooperation among stakeholders.

“The object of the National Peace Council is to facilitate and develop mechanisms for conflict prevention, management, and resolution, and to build sustainable peace in the country,” Rev. Dr. Adu-Gyamfi stated.

He provided a comprehensive overview of the Peace Council’s initiatives since the 2020 elections, including engaging stakeholders in constituencies affected by electoral violence, holding national conferences, and facilitating dialogues between political parties, security agencies, and other key actors.

Rev. Dr. Adu-Gyamfi also outlined the critical outcomes of these dialogues, which included recommendations to strengthen election governance, improve election security, promote national cohesion, and enhance the mechanisms for political dialogue and accountability. He noted that the Peace Council has been instrumental in facilitating the return of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) to the Inter-Party Advisory Committee (IPAC) and in advocating for electoral reforms to address trust deficits among political parties.

He also addressed the urgent need to tackle the spread of misinformation and hate speech, which Rev. Dr. Adu-Gyamfi described as a significant threat to the democratic process. “Misinformation has become a weapon in the world of politics, capable of influencing public opinion and potentially swaying election outcomes,” he warned, adding that hate speech undermines democracy and perpetuates division within society.

The National Peace Council, in collaboration with the National Media Commission and support from the Danish Embassy, has developed Guidelines on Hate Speech and other forms of indecent expressions. These guidelines are intended to assist the media in identifying and curbing hate speech, ensuring that public discourse remains respectful and fact-based.

Rev. Dr. Adu-Gyamfi called on media professionals to leverage their expertise and work closely with the Peace Council to develop strategies that effectively address the issues of hate speech and misinformation. “Let us stand united in defending the principles of democracy, promoting transparency, and empowering the electorate with accurate information,” he urged, expressing hope that the forum would lead to tangible solutions in the media landscape.

As the 2024 elections approach, the NPC Chairman’s address serves as a timely reminder of the shared responsibility between the media and the Peace Council in ensuring a peaceful and democratic electoral process in Ghana.

Source: ghananewsonline.com.gh