Jean Mensa
The Chairperson of the Electoral Commission (EC), Jean Mensa, has urged journalists to use their platforms to discuss issues that will promote peace in the country rather than presenting false news in the interest of Political Parties that will cause chaos and disturb the peace of the country.
According to her, ‘’several media platforms which should have been spaces for informed public debate have been turned into vehicles of propaganda and sometimes, sheer falsehood’’.
She added that ‘’We see the result in the deepening polarization of our dear nation across party lines. Citizens no longer see things through the eyes of right and wrong. This is a worrying trend, to put it mildly’’.
Mrs Mensa, said this at the 27th Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), Awards Night on Sunday in Accra where she noted that doing so would ensure national peace, security, and sustenance of the country’s democracy.
The EC boss noted that it will welcome public scrutiny and criticism of its work, especially as the nation heads into a crucial election in 2024, however, this must be done with objectivity and candor.
“We at the EC are not above scrutiny. Scrutinise and critique our work as your role requires but do so with objectivity. Criticisms laced with insults and falsehood should be beneath you,” she stated.
Speaking on the theme, “Leveraging Media Freedom to Sustain the Democratic and Security Architecture: The Litmus Test of 2024 Elections”, she said with the 2024 Election beckoning, and with no incumbent seeking re-election, the stakes are particularly high, the country faces an open contest where any candidate could win or lose, where in essence, the 2024 Election will be more than a democratic exercise, it will be a test of our nation’s resilience’’.
‘’As journalists, you will play a crucial role in building that resilience. You have the ear, eyes, and hearts of the citizenry. You are a stone’s throw away from millions of homes across the country. It is of utmost importance that you are cognizant of the delicate interplay that will be required between media freedom, our democracy, and National Security. Your conduct will impact positively or negatively on our dear nation’’.
She added ‘’As the Fourth Estate, you are not just a facet of our democracy. You are its bedrock. You are the beacon of truth. You are guardians of transparency. You are vanguards of freedom and catalysts for informing and shaping public debate. Your role requires the nation’s support and protection of your freedoms’’.
She added that ‘’With your role, and the nation’s support and protection, comes great responsibility. We are all well aware of the risks to national security when the role of the media goes unchecked. Your exercise of your power and freedom in the lead-up to the 2024 elections could potentially make or break our nation’s security and cohesion. This is a sobering truth’’.
She expressed that ‘’the lessons of Rwanda are evident for all to see, we are all aware of how the unchecked power of the media contributed to a devastating genocide. Disinformation and falsehood turned friends and neighbors into enemies and culminated in a dark chapter of human history. This is a path we must vow never to walk on’’.
She added ‘’As we go to the polls in December 2024, you must bear in mind that media freedom while sacrosanct does not equate to freedom to deceive. You should rise and take up your roles as custodians of the truth. You are duty-bound to do so’’.
She, therefore, urged the media to show commitment to ensuring the peace and security of our country as we go to the polls in 2024, and should go beyond mere rhetoric to practicing responsible journalism.
-BY Daniel Bampoe