GJA warns politicians against hostility towards media ahead of December elections

The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) has warned that any hostility from politicians towards media practitioners before, during, and after the December elections will be met with an equal response.

This statement was delivered on behalf of Albert Dwumfuor, president of the GJA, at the 3rd Upper East Regional GJA Awards.

“I have sounded this caution before: if you are a politician or an individual and cannot accommodate the media, just stay away from us. If you confront us with hostility, we will respond appropriately,” Dwumfuor said.

The GJA urged both state and non-state organisations to contribute to ensuring that journalists are protected and feel safe while performing their critical roles ahead of the election.

“It is essential to emphasise that while the media plays its role in strengthening the fabric that holds us together, it is important for the safety of journalists and media practitioners to be guaranteed. The judiciary and security services, particularly the Ghana Police, must play critical roles to ensure journalists’ safety during this heightened electioneering period. As civil society, individuals, political parties, and institutions, we have a responsibility to protect the media.”

Dwumfuor also urged the media to maintain high standards of professionalism and ethics, particularly by being wary of misinformation, disinformation, and hate speech.

“In this era of social media proliferation, where all manner of hate speech, disinformation, and polarising narratives are churned out, it is our duty to reject these divisive tactics and the weaponization of social media. As we approach the elections, our professionalism and ethical standards must be a priority. The freedom of the media would be meaningless if our actions and inactions lead our country into chaos—God forbid.”

The Upper East regional chairman of the GJA, William Nlanjerbor Jalulah, commended media practitioners in the region for their efforts in promoting development and holding leaders accountable.

The Upper East Regional Minister, Hafiz Bin Salih highlighted the essential role journalists have played towards shaping the country.

“Over the past 75 years, the GJA has shaped the media landscape through capacity building and professional development, advocacy for media reforms and development, solidarity, and recognition for excellence in journalism. These, among other things, have significantly contributed to the development of a vibrant, free, and responsible media, as recognised in Chapter 12 of the 1992 Constitution of the Republic of Ghana.”

“Over the years, you have been at the forefront of our democratic governance by providing the space for political parties, candidates, and citizens to express their views and sell their ideas and policies to the electorate for informed decision-making.”

He said Ghana’s status as a beacon of democracy and model for other countries would not have been possible without the contribution of the media.

Reporting by Mark Smith in the Upper East Region

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