Albert Kwabena Dwumfour
The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) has called on media practitioners to be cautious of their utterances especially ahead of the December 7 elections in order to safeguard the peace and stability of the country.
The GJA President, Albert Kwabena Dwumfour, who made the call during a joint press conference by the media coalition, said being critical and holding leaders and the government accountable should not be equated to spewing hate speech and insulting personalities.
Responding to comments by radio presenter on Accra-based Onua TV, Captain Smart, that people who would vote for the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the December elections are beasts, Mr. Dwumfour said, “In the spirit of those professional codes, this Coalition condemns in no uncertain terms, comments and pronouncements that have the potential to undermine Ghana’s peace and stability as a democracy, which can negatively affect our collective efforts in protecting and defending media freedoms, as well as freedom of expression in the country”.
The media coalition which comprises GJA, Ghana Independent Broadcasters Association (GIBA), PRINPAG, and the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) therefore condemned those comments and called on the Board and management of Media General to take immediate action and give the appropriate sanctions to the ‘Onua FM’ and TV host, Captain Smart.
That, he stated will not only serve as a deterrent to others but would also go a long way to enhance public confidence in the media organisation as one that detest unprofessional conduct.
“We urge all to conform to the tenets and standards we have set for ourselves in ensuring that everything we do are in conformity with the laws of the country and the ethics of our profession in order not to plunge our country into needless chaos.”
“We must also be guided by the fact that we are fast approaching the elections in December with the political atmosphere already charged,” he added.
By Ebenezer K. Amponsah