The Director of Electoral Services at the Electoral Commission( EC), Benjamin Barno-Bio, has emphasised the media's critical role in ensuring the upcoming elections' success.

His remarks were made during a Joy Brands event focused on press freedom, held on August 29 under the theme “Defend Media Freedom” on Joy News.

Mr Barno-Bio highlighted that the presence of the media acts as a deterrent against electoral malpractice, stating,

“Wherever the media is, even if one wants to cheat, they will sit up.”

He stressed that the media’s significant presence ensures that all election activities are conducted professionally, provided they operate in a conducive environment.

“The traditional role of the media—which includes informing, educating, and entertaining—has expanded to include surveillance,” he noted.

“Now, whatever you are doing, the media is watching you, so it puts all of us on alert and ensures that the right thing is done.”

He further underscored the importance of the media's watchdog role, stating, “The media plays many roles beyond surveillance. Their watchdog role is crucial to the Electoral Commission, and without them, democracy would be diminished.”

Mr Barno-Bio further called on Ghanaians to support the Electoral Commission in maintaining professional standards and to help the media report accurately.

Recognising these concerns, the Joy Brands of the Multimedia Group organised the event to highlight the importance of media freedom in upholding the country’s democratic values.

The dialogue featured 21 panellists, including Inspector General of Police Dr George Dampare, Joy News’ Samson Lardy Anyenini, and other respected figures in journalism.