President of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), Albert Kwabena Dwumfour, has urged journalists to practice responsible journalism and avoid comments that would undermine electoral process ahead of 2024 election.
Speaking at the Launch of the GJA/US Embassy Ghana Election 2024 project dubbed: “Journalists for Peaceful Discourse” on Thursday, November 9, 2023, Albert Kwabena Dwumfour, said the GJA will not protect or defend any media practitioner who behaves in a way that incites violence or undermines the electoral process.
According to the association’s president, a monitoring report from the 2020 elections captured that, the media was used to promote violence instead of practicing the ethics of the job.
He stressed that, press freedom does not mean citizens can speak irresponsibly.
“Freedom of expression does not only mean allowing people to speak but also ensuring responsibility. Findings of a GJA/NMC media monitoring during the December 7 elections revealed that incitement on media platforms topped types of violence perpetuated during the election.”
He therefore warned media practitioners that the association will not accept unprofessional conducts.
“This is the reason I keep admonishing media practitioners and institutions to be very professional in the discharge of their duties. I want to reiterate that the GJA does not and will not condone unprofessional conduct. We will not shield or provide cover for defiance of professionalism.”
