Effie Wilson, the Western Regional Director of the Electoral Commission (EC), has cautioned journalists against prematurely declaring winners ahead of the EC’s official announcement in the upcoming December elections. Speaking at a training session for journalists from the Western, Western North, and Central regions, Wilson emphasized the importance of accurate and responsible reporting to promote peace during the electoral process.
“Never declare results when the EC has not verified them. What happens when your results differ from the EC?.This could lead to chaos in the country,” she stated.
Wilson urged journalists not to engage in speculation but rather to seek clarification from the EC on any issues they encounter. She emphasized that premature declarations could incite tensions and disrupt the electoral process. Wilson’s advice comes amidst efforts to ensure peaceful discourse in the media leading up to the 2024 general election.
The training, organized by the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) with funding from the United States Embassy in Ghana, aimed to equip journalists with the necessary skills to report on electoral processes responsibly. Wilson cautioned against the dissemination of “planted” stories by politicians or party followers without proper verification, noting that such actions could jeopardize the peace and security of the country.
“Promoting peaceful journalistic discourse in the various media platforms in the country ahead of elections 2024 is very critical and a duty on all Ghanaians to consolidate the country’s 32 years of democratic principles,” she said.
Dr. Moses Maclean Abnory, Registrar of the Takoradi Technical University, addressed the participants on fact-checking, misinformation, disinformation, and malinformation in election coverage. He emphasized the importance of media ethics and the role of journalists in nation-building. Dr. Abnory commended the GJA for organizing the workshop, particularly in an election year, and urged media practitioners to adhere to the ethical standards of their profession.
Albert Dwumfour, President of the GJA, stressed the need for journalists to refrain from using inflammatory language and called on all practitioners to regularize their membership with the association. Rebecca Ekpe, the Public Relations Officer of the GJA, highlighted the importance of accurate reporting based on findings from research conducted after the 2020 elections. The nationwide training aimed to prevent misguided reportage and promote responsible journalism during the electoral process.
