By Jibril Abdul Mumuni
Accra, Oct. 08, GNA – Editors and media managers of broadcast, online, and print media organisations have pledged not to use their channels and conduits for the propagation of hate and electoral violence in Ghana.
In a communiqué copied to the Ghana News Agency, the senior media practitioners pledged not to broadcast or report news in a manner that will undermine the fundamental human rights of citizens or candidates.
The communiqué was crafted and adopted by the practitioners at the end of a two-day experience-sharing session facilitated by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission.
The media practitioners said they” shall work collaboratively with the National Media Commission (NMC) and Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), other stakeholders, and relevant security authorities to reinforce the safety of media practitioners while they carry out their duties in the period leading to, during, and after the 7 December 2024 polls.”
The media practitioners pledged to use the necessary fact-checking tools to dispel any misinformation,malinformation and disinformation during the election period.
“That we undertake to play our role in order to mitigate any potential conflict by disseminating peace messages and putting in place fact-checking mechanisms to counter fake news and misinformation ahead of the polls.
“In this regard, we welcome the setting-up of a Media Situation Room by the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) ahead of the election 2024 to support media houses in fact-checking,“ the statement said.
They recommended the convening of media practitioners from different media houses in the near future before the polls to foster cooperation around critical issues of national interest.
They further pledged to continue to ensure that the electorate in Ghana were well-informed through robust voter education and dissemination of messages using their platforms to promote citizens’ understanding of candidates and political parties’ manifestoes.
The media practitioners reaffirmed the vital role of the media during electioneering periods by providing fair access to all political parties, candidates, and groups, which is critical in ensuring inclusive, competitive, free, and fair election processes.
GNA