Help combat misinformation, hate speech - Peace Council to media
The National Peace Council (NPC) has urged the media to help combat misinformation and hate speech ahead of the December 7 general election.
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The Chairman of the NPC, Rev. Dr Ernest Adu Gyamfi, said misinformation could erode trust in the democratic system and influence public opinion, thus, swaying the outcome of elections.
He, therefore, entreated the media to join forces with the council to develop strategies to curb the phenomenon.
Rev. Dr Ernest Adu Gyamfi, who was speaking at an editors’ forum in Accra last Wednesday, highlighted the dangers of hate speech, which, he said, undermined democracy and equality.
Also present at the event, which was on the theme: “Promoting conflict-sensitive reporting for a peaceful election," were members of the NPC governing board.
Commitment
Rev. Dr Adu Gyamfi stressed the commitment of the council to ensure a peaceful and credible election process.
He said it was in line with that the council organised the forum with media editors to discuss solutions to those challenges.
"We believe that by working together, we can leverage our expertise to implement effective solutions to these issues. "It is only by doing so that we can ensure the election would reflect the will of the people," the chairman said.
He further said that the NPC had undertaken a series of programmes and activities to ensure a peaceful environment before, during and after the 2024 elections.
"To ensure a peaceful environment, we have engaged stakeholders in various constituencies, developed a roadmap to counter election violence, and facilitated dialogues between political parties and security agencies," the chairman added.
He said with support from the United Nations Office in West Africa and the Sahel, they were embarking on consensus-building dialogues in five selected regional capitals ahead of the December polls.
Rev. Dr Adu Gyamfi also said that the council held meetings with the parties, and had also set up what he referred to as a political party code of conduct committee.
Fact-checking
The Vice-President of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), Linda Asante Adjei, entreated editors and reporters to rigorously fact-check and debunk misinformation and as election day drew closer.
“We should also avoid sensationalism and inflammatory language by providing content that balance perspectives, amplify marginalised voices and also entertain diverse viewpoints.
“To our political leaders, we urge you to campaign on issues, not insults. Avoid divisive rhetoric and inflammatory language and let us respect democratic processes and institutions.
“To our civil society organisations, let us promote education and inclusive participation, support confidence reporting and encourage peaceful dialogue and debates,” she said.
“To the citizens, let us demand fact-based reporting and accurate information from our politicians and also our media. Together, we can create a peaceful and democratic country that we all want,” she said.
Panel discussion
There was also a panel discussion by the Political Editor of the Daily Graphic, Albert Salia; Editor-in-Chief, Ghana Broadcasting Corporation Online, Rebecca Ekpe, and Samuel O. Frempong, Editor, Ghana News Agency.
It was moderated by the Regional Coordinator, Research and Capacity Building, West Africa Network for Peacebuilding, Dr Festus Aubyn.
Mr Salia admonished journalists to be cautious in their attempts to be the first to break the news, stressing that “in your desire to break the news, you may be breaking the country because the information can be false which will lead to confusion”.
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He also advised journalists to be guided by the mantra of truth over speed and ensure they cultivate sources who can provide the right information, adding that the national interest must override all other interests.