During the 28th Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) Media Awards on Saturday, 28th September 2024, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo highlighted the crucial role Ghanaian journalists play in protecting the nation’s democracy, especially with the approaching 2024 elections. Speaking to a crowd of media professionals, the President emphasized the increasing challenges posed by disinformation, misinformation, and the digital age.
As part of the 75th-anniversary celebrations of journalism excellence, the President mentioned that while technology has made information more accessible, it has also created new vulnerabilities. In today’s media landscape, where social media platforms allow information to spread quickly, journalists must ensure that truth prevails over falsehoods.
“In this digital era, we face new challenges such as disinformation, misinformation, fake news, and sensationalism that can distort the electoral process. Journalists must step up by being the guardians of truth,” stated the President.
With the upcoming crucial December 2024 election, President Akufo-Addo urged the media to report with integrity, fairness, and accuracy to ensure citizens are well-informed to make decisions about their future. He emphasized that the stakes are higher than ever, and the media’s role has never been more critical.
“The media’s responsibility during elections is crucial. It is through your work that citizens learn about political parties’ policies, candidates’ integrity, and the issues that impact their lives the most,” he added.
The President’s speech also reflected on journalism’s broader role in shaping Ghana’s democracy. He credited the media for promoting transparency, accountability, and the public good, especially during political transitions. He highlighted the media’s contribution to restoring democracy in 1992 and its continued involvement in educating the public and upholding democratic values.
The President acknowledged journalism as the “fourth estate” that has been instrumental in Ghana’s progress. He urged media practitioners to maintain their professionalism and uphold the public’s trust by following the principles of truth, fairness, and impartiality.
However, he reminded that with great power comes great responsibility. “The bond between journalists and the public relies on trust, and it is this trust that must be safeguarded through your professionalism and dedication to accuracy, fairness, and balance,” he stated.
As a strong advocate for press freedom, President Akufo-Addo recounted his efforts in advancing journalists’ rights in Ghana. He highlighted his government’s commitment to passing the Right to Information Act, empowering journalists and the public to access crucial information to hold leaders accountable. This, along with repealing the Criminal Libel Law during his tenure as Attorney General in 2001, has strengthened press freedom in Ghana.
Reflecting on his long-standing relationship with the media as his presidential term nears its end, President Akufo-Addo emphasized the personal significance of attending the awards ceremony, recognizing it as his last as President of the Republic. Despite returning from a demanding schedule at the United Nations General Assembly in New York, he made it a priority to attend the event to acknowledge the media’s invaluable role in his presidency and Ghana’s democratic journey.
In conclusion, President Akufo-Addo praised the resilience, courage, and dedication of Ghanaian journalists. He reiterated his belief that a free and vibrant press is essential to democracy, urging the media to uphold its duty as the beacon of truth and fairness as Ghana prepares for the 2024 elections.
“I am deeply committed to ensuring that the media in Ghana remains free, vibrant, and independent. Your work is vital to our democracy’s strength, the integrity of our elections, and our nation’s progress,” declared the President, leaving the audience with a message of hope and responsibility as they brace for the next phase in Ghana’s political history.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency, Republic of Ghana.