As the political temperature inches, Election Stakeholders are beginning to pitch in measures that will ensure that once again, Ghana comes out of a Presidential and Parliamentary election without a dent to its democratic trajectory.
At an Editors FORUM at Aburi in the Eastern Region organised by the Ghana Journalists Association with support from the STAR-Ghana Foundation, GJA President Affail Monney while reminding Journalists that their utterances can plunge the country into chaos, especially during the polls, also appealed to the Police to be cordial with Journalists during their professional conduct.
The Police on the other hand reminded Journalists to remain a neutral player, avoid charged atmospheres and eliminate sensationalism especially when presenting information from polarised communities during the election.
Some Political watchers have already predicted that Ghana December 2020 elections will be an interesting one for Political Scientists to document and pay very close attention to. This is for the fact that this is the first time in the country’s history that the high office of the Presidency is likely to be sought by an incumbent President and a Former President. No matter the outcomes, one thing is clear that Ghana will be the victor. Now to keep the country intact disseminators of information have the greatest responsibly to make this happen.
Which is why the Ghana Journalists Association, GJA is spearheading a series of EDITORS FORUM with support from the STAR GHANA Foundation to drum home that message that Journalists must be wary of what they spew out before, during and after the December polls. Affail Monney said the Rwanda example should serve as a cogent reminder of what could happen if Journalists decide to embellish the news and lead people to commit bad actions, instead of remaining professional by simply reporting facts.
He said the Police and the media must consider themselves as partners with a common goal in ensuring a violent and conflict-free presidential and parliamentary election.
The Eastern Regional Police Command says it has identified 661 flashpoints, out of which 26 have been placed on high alert. Sup Raymond Erzuah, in Charge of Operations said the police will closely monitor activities of political vigilantes and deal with those who flout the law, and announced that security will be provided for all candidates and their supporters while maintaining law and order. Sup Erzuah said police and the media have to work as a team during elections.
The Public Affairs Officer, Eastern Region, DSP Ebenezer Tetteh pointed out that election is a contest and therefore NOT devoid of confrontation. That is why as gatekeepers, Editors should help to tone down situations between political parties and contesting candidates, which becomes a security concern and a treat to Ghana’s democracy during the polls.
GJA ‘s EDITORS Forum of Conflict Sensitive Reporting ahead of Election 2020 is part of a project with the theme; SAY NO TO POLITICAL VIGILANTISM & ELECTORAL VIOLENCE IN GHANA.
The Aburi session was held in line with the COVID-19 safety protocols, as the Eastern Regional Health Promotion Officer, Mrs. Bridget Anim gave an overview of the Coronavirus situation in the area, reminding Journalists of a greater responsibility of keeping safe, especially when the general election fever catches on amidst COVID 19.
