The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) has sounded a warning to individuals and groups who attack journalists, stating that such incidents will be fiercely resisted.
According to the GJA President, Albert Kwabena Duffour, the GJA stands ready to defend its members at all times, urging stakeholders to unite in defense of media freedom for the sake of democracy, development, and the future.
The GJA made this statement at the GJA/US Embassy workshop on Peaceful Journalistic Discourse, held in Accra on Wednesday August 28, 2024.
Duffour expressed deep concern over the growing trend of attacks on journalists, stressing that the GJA will not tolerate any assault on its members.
He encouraged politicians to refrain from conduct that threatens democracy and peace, warning that hostility towards the media will be met with equal hostility.
The GJA President emphasized the importance of press freedom and the role of journalists in promoting peaceful discourse, particularly in the lead-up to the 2024 elections.
He commended the US Embassy for its support and commitment to media development, highlighting the success of the GJA/US Embassy project, “Promoting Peaceful Journalistic Media Platforms Ahead of Election 2024.”
The project, which trained over 155 journalists nationwide, aims to promote violent-free and credible elections in Ghana through well-informed and trained journalists.
There is the need for responsible journalism. Freedom of expression comes with responsibility,” he stressed.
He noted that the 2024 elections will be held against the backdrop of insecurity, terrorism, and insurgency in the region, coupled with economic hardship in the country.
Duffour emphasized that these factors point to a heightened and tensed atmosphere, raising the need to ensure that journalists and talk show hosts maintain an atmosphere that encourages discussion of policy issues while promoting and protecting the space for peaceful discourse.
The GJA President called on stakeholders to unite in defense of media freedom, stressing that democratic institutions are always challenged during elections, but resilient institutions always rise to the challenge.
He expressed confidence that the workshops held in partnership with the US Embassy would strengthen journalists and enable them to deliver on their mandate and rise to the challenge.
The Regional Public Engagement Specialist at the US Embassy in Accra, Lizaimee Steger, urged journalists to prioritize peaceful journalistic discourse, adding that the media plays a vital role in shaping public opinion and influencing electoral process.
She noted that promoting democracy, good governance and respect for human rights is at the centre of the United States’ foreign policy.
She noted that stakeholder engagement is important to foster collaboration between media, political parties and electoral officials to prevent misinformation and promote a peaceful electoral process.
The Executive Director of Women, Media and Change, Charity Binka, observed that as journalists, skills alone is not enough but they must have character as well.
As a gender advocate, she urged that women be giving a fair voice while promoting democratic values.
She urged journalists to refrain from publishing unsubstantiated information from new media without verification.
