By Nana Kwame Bediako
The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) in partnership with the US Embassy Ghana, on Wednesday 28th August, 2024 held a public lecture on fostering responsible journalism as the nation approaches its 2024 general elections. The event, held under the theme “Promoting Peaceful Journalistic Media Platforms Ahead of the Election 2024,” saw key stakeholders in the media industry come together to discuss the pivotal role of accurate reporting in maintaining peace and stability.
Rebecca Ekpe, the Public Relations Officer of the GJA, delivered a thought provoking speech emphasizing the importance of fact-checking in journalism as she urged journalists to resist the urge to publish news hastily, particularly in the age of social media where information spreads rapidly. “With the emergence of social media news, breaking news is no more relevant; what is important is that we work collectively and come out with the facts before reporting on any news,” She stated.
Ekpe’s address highlighted the growing challenges of misinformation and disinformation, which are particularly concerning as the December 7th, 2024, general election approaches. She stressed that journalists have a critical role in ensuring that the information they disseminate is accurate and verified, to prevent the spread of falsehoods that could incite unrest or influence public opinion unfairly.
The event underscored the need for collaborative efforts among journalists to uphold the principles of integrity and accountability in their reporting. By prioritizing factual accuracy over the rush to be first, the media can contribute to a more informed and peaceful electoral process. This approach not only enhances the credibility of individual journalists but also strengthens public trust in the media as an institution.
