The Advertising Association of Ghana (AAG) has unveiled its 2024 Peaceful Elections Campaign project in Accra with a call on the media and the public to work towards promoting peaceful election on December 7.
Titled “Speak Peace,” this initiative aims to foster a calm and respectful electoral process and has been organised by the AAG in collaboration with the National Peace Council (NPC).
The President of the Association, Mr Andrew Ackah, speaking at the launch held in Accra on Thursday highlighted the importance of advertising, media, and communications in promoting peace during election periods.
He stressed that the language used in public discourse must be meticulously chosen to avoid inciting emotions that could disrupt the integrity of the nation’s democratic process.
Mr Ackah said member agencies have been instrumental in influencing the messaging and campaigns of different political parties.
“We need to inject some level of calmness across the country to create public consciousness about the need to live in unity as Ghana is the only country we have. We have crafted television commercials, on billboards, print media and digital platforms all aimed at creating the awareness on peaceful co-existence before, during and after the elections,” he said.
Mr Ackah stated that his outfit was effectively collaborating with major stakeholders in the media as well as the NPC, civil society organisations, media partners, and community leaders to amplify peace messages.
He further urged all media houses, advertisers, and Ghanaians to join the effort, using their influence and platforms to promote peace, unity, and respect before, during and after the impending elections.
The Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the National Peace Council, Mrs Faith Edison, commended the AAG for their continuous commitment in promoting peace in the country.
She also called for stakeholder collaboration in building a peaceful future for all humanity.
Mr Russel Eni, the treasurer of AAG, said the launch of the initiative was to remind the public that positive words matter in enforcing peaceful coexistence in the country.
“The messages crafted are meant or crafted purposely to spread the peace word because it is crucial in the upcoming election,” he added.
Mr Eni stressed the importance of responsible communication saying that “words can trigger violence or promote peace.”
He therefore advised media and advertisers to leverage their skills in encouraging kind words as well as reminding the public of the influence of party leaders.
“By working together, the media and advertisers can help create a peaceful and inclusive electoral process in Ghana,” he added.
BY CYNTHIA ASAMPANA