Source: newsthemegh.com
Jean Mensa, the Chairperson of the Electoral Commission (EC), has called on media to use their platforms to talk on topics that will advance national peace rather than spreading misinformation on behalf of political parties that will destabilize the nation and disrupt its tranquility.
She claims that “many media platforms that ought to have served as forums for educated public discourse have instead been transformed into propagandistic and occasionally outright false information sources.”
“We see the result in the deepening polarization of our dear nation across party lines,” the speaker continued. People no longer view the world in terms of good and wrong. Let’s say that this trend is concerning.
Speaking on Sunday at the 27th Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) Awards Night in Accra, Mrs. Mensa said that taking this action will guarantee the nation’s security, peace, and democracy.
As the country approaches a pivotal election in 2024, the chairman of the EC stated that it will welcome public examination and criticism of its work, but that it must be done so objectively and honestly.
“The EC is not immune to criticism. As part of your job, review and analyze our work, but do it objectively. “Comments that are mixed with derogation and lies ought to be beneath you,” the woman said.
Speaking on the topic of “Leveraging Media Freedom to Sustain the Democratic and Security Architecture: The Litmus Test of 2024 Elections,” she stated that since there is no incumbent running for reelection, the stakes are particularly high. Any candidate could win or lose, making the election more than just a democratic exercise but also a test of the resilience of our country.
‘’As journalists, you will play a crucial role in building that resilience. You have the ear, eyes, and hearts of the citizenry. You are a stone’s throw away from millions of homes across the country. It is of utmost importance that you are cognizant of the delicate interplay that will be required between media freedom, our democracy, and National Security. Your conduct will impact positively or negatively on our dear nation’’.
She said ‘’As the Fourth Estate, you are not just a facet of our democracy. You are its bedrock. You are the beacon of truth. You are guardians of transparency. You are vanguards of freedom and catalysts for informing and shaping public debate. Your role requires the nation’s support and protection of your freedoms’’.
She added that ‘’With your role, and the nation’s support and protection, comes great responsibility. We are all well aware of the risks to national security when the role of the media goes unchecked. Your exercise of your power and freedom in the lead-up to the 2024 elections could potentially make or break our nation’s security and cohesion. This is a sobering truth’’.
“The lessons from Rwanda are clear to see for everyone; we are all aware of how the unbridled power of the media contributed to a devastating genocide,” the speaker said.
False information and misinformation created a sad chapter in human history by turning neighbors and friends into adversaries. We have to make a commitment to never tread this path.
“You must remember that media freedom, while sacred, does not equate to freedom to deceive,” she warned as we head to the polls in December 2024. As stewards of the truth, you ought to stand up and assume your duties. You have an obligation to comply.
As a result, she called on the media to demonstrate their commitment to upholding national security and peace when we head to the polls in 2024. They should also go beyond platitudes and engage in responsible journalism.