Dec polls: Avoid sensationalism, bias – GJA president to journalists

The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) has urged media outlets to rigorously fact-check and debunk misinformation as the nation approaches the 2024 general elections.

Emphasising the media’s pivotal role in shaping public opinion, holding leaders accountable, and ensuring transparency in governance, the GJA highlighted the necessity for media outlets to be intentional about the information they distribute.

At the inauguration of the 28th GJA Awards Committee in Accra, the GJA underscored the media’s responsibility in supporting democratic governance and peaceful elections.

Albert Kwabena Dwumfour, President of the Ghana Journalists Association, addressing the gathering, urged the media to maintain fairness and balance in their reporting before, during, and after the upcoming election.

“The media has the power to influence voter behaviour and hold leaders accountable. I must emphasise, however, that with this power of the media, comes a great responsibility to ensure democratic governance and peaceful elections,” Mr. Dwumfour stated.

He stressed the importance of responsible journalism, urging journalists to actively combat misinformation to ensure a well-informed electorate and a smooth, peaceful election process.

Mr. Dwumfour called for balanced and impartial reporting, cautioning against sensationalism and bias.

“The media must provide balanced and impartial reporting and avoid sensationalism and bias, focus on issue-based reporting, rather than personality-driven coverage. Give voice to diverse perspectives, including marginalised communities and fact-check and debunk misinformation,” he noted.

In an era where fake news and disinformation spread rapidly, Dwumfour emphasised the need for the media to remain vigilant.

“In an era where fake news, polarizing narratives, and disinformation spread like wildfire, it is therefore important for the media to remain alert and fact-check what comes through to them. It is the only way, as the fourth Estate of the Realm, we can be said to be playing our constitutionally mandated role,” he added.

Source:classfmonline.com