Minister for Information, Fatimatu Abubakar, has called on journalists to uphold professionalism and integrity while covering Ghana’s 2024 Presidential and Parliamentary elections on Saturday, December 7.
In an interview with the Ghana News Agency, Ms. Abubakar emphasized the media’s critical role in ensuring a peaceful election, urging practitioners to avoid disseminating misinformation or sensational reports that could incite violence.
“Reports should not be influenced by personal or political interests, nor should they aim to incite or perpetuate falsehoods to favor one political party over another,” she stressed. “We must prioritize accuracy and fairness in our reportage to support democracy.”
The Minister also appealed to politicians to act responsibly during the electoral process, urging them to focus on constructive arguments rather than insults or inflammatory remarks.
“For politicians, the emphasis should be on the quality of arguments and legal compliance,” she noted. “Let us ensure our agents are vigilant and focused on policing the process, without resorting to violence or insults.”
Ms. Abubakar expressed satisfaction with the shift toward issue-based campaigns in the 2024 elections, noting a significant reduction in violent rhetoric. “This year’s campaign has been a contest of ideas, with parties presenting policies that resonate with the public. It’s a sign of our democracy’s progress.”
She encouraged citizens to exercise their voting rights and trust the Electoral Commission to deliver a free and fair election.
“At the end of the day, there will always be a President for Ghana. We must embrace peace and cohesion as our democratic foundation grows stronger,” she concluded.