The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) has called on the media to rigorously fact-check and debunk misinformation as the nation approaches the 2024 general elections. 

The Association emphasised that the media plays a vital role in shaping public opinion, holding leaders accountable, and ensuring transparency in governance. 

Therefore, it is crucial for media outlets to be intentional about the information they distribute to support democratic governance and peaceful elections.

These remarks were made at the inauguration event of the 28th GJA Awards Committee in Accra.

The nine-member awards committee is chaired by the Chief Editor at the Ghana News Agency, George-Ramsey Benamba. Other members of the committee include Jamila Akweley Okertchiri, Editor at the Daily Guide Network, Loretta Vanderpuye, Regional Director at the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation, Joana Afua Mensah, News Editor at United Television (UTV) and Isaac Yeboah, Senior Editor at Myjoyonline.com.

Others are William Asiedu, Head of News, 3FM, Michael Quaye, Deputy News Editor at Daily Graphic, International Photojournalist Nana Kofi Acquah, and Isaac Nuamah Yeboah, News Director at Atinka Media Village.

Albert Kwabena Dwumfour, the President of the Ghana Journalists Association, addressed the gathering, urging the media to maintain fairness and balance in their reporting before, during, and after the upcoming election.

Mr Dwumfour highlighted the significant role the media plays in the electoral process, noting that their performance is critical to the country's democratic success. 

He stressed that the media cannot afford to fail the nation in this regard, underscoring the importance of responsible journalism.

In addition to promoting accurate and balanced reporting, the GJA president encouraged journalists to actively combat misinformation. 

In his estimation, by doing so, the media can help ensure a well-informed electorate and a smooth, peaceful election process.

"The media has the power to influence voter behaviour and hold leaders accountable. I must emphasise, however, that with this power of the media, comes a great responsibility to ensure democratic governance and peaceful elections."

“The media must provide balanced and impartial reporting and avoid sensationalism and bias, focus on issue-based reporting, rather than personality-driven coverage. Give voice to diverse perspectives, including marginalised communities and fact-check and debunk misinformation."

“In an era where fake news, polarising narratives and disinformation spread like wildfire, it was therefore important for the media to remain alert and fact-check what comes through to them."

“It is the only way, as the fourth Estate of the Realm, we can be said to be playing our constitutionally mandated role," he stated.