At the 28th Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) Media Awards held on Saturday, September 28, 2024, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo emphasized the crucial role of journalists in protecting Ghana’s democracy, especially as the nation approaches the 2024 elections.
Addressing a gathering of media professionals, the President highlighted the rising threats posed by disinformation, misinformation, and the digital age, calling on journalists to be the gatekeepers of truth.
The event, which also marked 75 years of journalistic excellence in Ghana, saw President Akufo-Addo reflecting on the dual impact of technology on the media landscape. While it has democratized access to information, it has also introduced new challenges, including the rapid spread of false information on social media platforms.
“In this digital age, we face new challenges—disinformation, misinformation, fake news, and sensationalism that can distort the electoral process. Journalists must rise to the occasion by being the gatekeepers of truth,” the President stated.
With Ghana set for a crucial election in December 2024, President Akufo-Addo urged the media to report with integrity, fairness, and accuracy, ensuring that citizens are well-informed to make decisions about the future. He noted that the media’s responsibility is greater than ever before, as the nation’s democratic process depends on accurate and balanced reporting.
“The responsibility of the media during elections cannot be overstated. It is through your work that citizens are informed about the policies of political parties, the integrity of candidates, and the issues that matter most to their lives,” the President added.
Reflecting on the media’s broader role in shaping Ghana’s democracy, President Akufo-Addo acknowledged the critical contributions journalists have made since the country’s return to democratic rule in 1992. He credited the media for promoting transparency, accountability, and the public good, particularly during political transitions.
He also reminded journalists of their responsibility to maintain professionalism and safeguard the public’s trust by adhering to the principles of truth, fairness, and impartiality. “The bond between journalists and the public is built on trust, and it is this trust that must be continually safeguarded by your professionalism and dedication to accuracy, fairness, and balance,” he noted.
As a strong advocate for press freedom, President Akufo-Addo recounted his government’s efforts to advance journalists’ rights in Ghana. He highlighted the passage of the Right to Information Act, which empowers journalists and the public to access critical information, and recalled his role in repealing the Criminal Libel Law in 2001 during his tenure as Attorney General, which further cemented press freedom in the country.
In a reflective moment, President Akufo-Addo, whose term as President is coming to an end, acknowledged the significance of attending the awards ceremony for the last time as head of state. Despite his busy schedule, which included attending the United Nations General Assembly in New York, he prioritized being at the event to recognize the invaluable role the media has played in his presidency and Ghana’s democratic journey.
In closing, the President commended the dedication and courage of Ghanaian journalists, reaffirming his belief that a free and vibrant press is crucial to the country’s democracy. As the nation prepares for the 2024 elections, he urged the media to uphold its duty as the torchbearer of truth and fairness.
“I remain deeply committed to ensuring that the media in Ghana remains free, vibrant, and independent. Your work is essential to the strength of our democracy, the integrity of our elections, and the progress of our nation,” President Akufo-Addo concluded, leaving the audience with a message of hope and responsibility as they prepare for the next chapter in Ghana’s political history.
