Editorial: The Media Must Be Circumspect In Their Reportage Ahead Of Election 2024

The National Democratic Congress (NDC) on Tuesday September 17, 2024 organised a nationwide demonstration, in response to the Electoral Commission’s (EC) refusal to permit
a forensic audit of the voter’s register. The protest took place across all 16 regions of Ghana.

The demonstration, announced by party chairman Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, was driven by the NDC’s concerns over alleged discrepancies in the voter’s register. However, on the day of the protest, some media houses published that there was a shooting incident at the Kumasi office of the Electoral Commission and that some demonstrators clashed with the Police.

The Ghana Police Service immediately commenced investigations into this and has revealed in a statement that there was no shooting incident at the Kumasi office of the Electoral Commission. The statement also added that no demonstrator was injured by the Police, as part of Tuesday’s protest. However, some demonstrators who went against the agreed arrangement by forcing their way into the compound of the EC office were restrained, the police added.

“We would like to take this opportunity to urge the media to be circumspect in their reportage”, they indicated in a press statement. The Chronicle would like to first of all pat the Ghana Police Service on the back, for immediately commencing investigations into the alleged shooting incident at the Kumasi office of the Electoral Commission.

We are also disgusted by the fact that we had some well renowned media houses helping to spread the fake news that there was a shooting incident at the Kumasi office of the Electoral Commission. It is very sad that the Media is promoting panic and chaos in the country. We need to know that the media plays a critical role in promoting peace in the country and in times like these, as political demonstrations unfold, accurate and balanced reporting is not just a journalistic standard but a civic duty.

The police have urged media outlets to be “circumspect in their reportage”, reminding
us all of the importance of avoiding sensationalism that can lead to fear and panic among the public.
As Ghana is heading into a crucial election, it is essential that we remain calm, measured and committed to the truth. In an election year, when political sentiments are at their peak, misinformation or misinterpretation can be dangerous. Misleading reports about violence or threats to public safety can fuel anxiety, destabilise communities and even incite conflict.

This is why the media must take extra care to verify information, especially when covering protests, rallies or any event that involves public unrest. The responsibility of the media goes beyond simply reporting events as they unfold. It also involves ensuring that the information disseminated does not unnecessarily heighten tensions.

These are delicate moments for the nation, and how such events are handled, reported and consumed will set the tone for the weeks leading up to the December 7 elections.
It is important to acknowledge the broader context here. Elections can be divisive, but they should never become a cause for instability. Ghana has long been hailed as a beacon of democracy in Africa, with its peaceful transitions of power serving as a model for other nations.

As we prepare for yet another critical election, the onus is on all stakeholders – the government, political parties, security forces, media and citizens – to ensure that the process remains peaceful and credible. For the media, the task ahead is clear. They must remain factual, responsible and impartial. Sensationalism may attract attention
in the short term, but it risks damaging the social fabric in the long run. Reports of violence or unrest, even when unsubstantiated, can quickly spread fear, especially in a climate already charged with political tension.

Journalists and media houses must take the lead in ensuring that their reporting does not add to the volatility of the situation. Misinformation thrives in moments of uncertainty and it is critical for citizens to verify the facts before reacting to reports, especially on social media. As the December elections draw closer, let us all commit to avoiding actions and
rhetoric that incite fear or violence. We have navigated difficult times before, and we can do so again.

The strength of our democracy lies not only in the votes that would be cast but in the collective will of Ghanaians to uphold peace, justice and transparency at every step of the process. Let us keep that legacy intact.

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