By Ebi Kesiena
As Ghana approaches its 2024 general elections, President Nana Akufo-Addo has made a heartfelt appeal to the nation’s journalists.
Speaking at the 28th Ghana Journalists Association’s (GJA) Media Awards and its 75th-anniversary celebration in Accra, the President highlighted the critical role journalists play in safeguarding the country’s democracy.
In a world dominated by social media and the rapid spread of information, President Akufo-Addo urged media professionals to prioritize truth over sensationalism.
“In this digital age, misinformation and fake news can cloud the truth and distort our democratic processes,” he warned.
With the 2024 elections fast approaching, the President’s message was clear, “journalists must stand as gatekeepers of truth, ensuring that the public receives accurate and balanced information”.
Reflecting on Ghana’s history of peaceful power transitions, President Akufo-Addo credited the media for their role in keeping the electoral process transparent. “From monitoring polling stations to amplifying the voices of ordinary Ghanaians, the press has long been a cornerstone of the country’s democracy”.
“The stakes have never been higher,” the President emphasized. As the political landscape becomes more complex and information more volatile, journalists have a responsibility to ensure that their reports do not inflame tensions but instead help foster understanding, he noted.
Beyond the call to uphold journalistic integrity, President Akufo-Addo reaffirmed his commitment to a free and vibrant press, recognizing the media’s indispensable contribution to Ghana’s progress. “Your work is essential to the strength of our democracy, the integrity of our elections, and the future of our nation,” he said.
The GJA event also saw Edward Adeti of Media Without Borders crowned P.V. Ansah Journalist of the Year, underscoring the President’s sentiments about the value of quality journalism in shaping the future of Ghana.
