The Eastern Regional Minister, Mr Seth Kwame Acheampong, has called on the media to promote peace and unity across Ghana in the lead-up to the December elections.
He expressed concern over certain recent trends in media rhetoric, which he believed could incite tensions, and potentially harm the country’s democratic progress and hard-earned reputation for peace.
He made the call at a meeting on Monday between the Eastern Regional Security Council and the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), where he stressed the media’s responsibility to keep a check on political actors and to use their platforms to encourage calm and unity.
Mr Acheampong emphasised the critical role of the media as the “Fourth Estate” in holding politicians accountable and fostering a balanced political discourse.
He urged journalists to offer equal opportunities to all viewpoints and to help de-escalate situations when political rhetoric becomes intense.
“We want to continue to enjoy the peace in this country. Elections should be about presenting policies and visions, allowing people to choose what they believe in, not about inciting conflicts,” Mr Acheampong said.
He noted that Ghana’s reputation as a leader in democracy and peaceful elections should be upheld and protected, adding, “Yes, democracy gives us all free will, but free will does not override the laws of the country.”
The Regional Minister also urged the media to ensure that all political discussions and reports were balanced and devoid of inflammatory language.
The meeting was part of the Security Council’s broader efforts to engage with stakeholders to foster a peaceful election season.
Mr Acheampong encouraged journalists to be mindful of the potential impact of their reporting on national unity, asking them to avoid sensationalism and verify information rigorously before publication.
Mr Maxwell Kudekor, Chairman of the Ghana Journalists Association in the Eastern Region, echoed these sentiments, reminding journalists of their constitutional duty to provide accurate, unbiased information to the public.
He urged his colleagues to offer platforms that welcome diverse opinions, contributing to a well-informed electorate and a peaceful election environment.
“Creating equal platforms for all divergent views will contribute significantly to maintaining peace in the country,” he noted.
Meanwhile, Eastern Regional Police Commander, DCOP Twumasi Ankrah, outlined security measures to ensure a smooth electoral process.
He announced the formation of a Regional Elections Security Taskforce, tasked with maintaining order at polling stations and responding to any issues that may arise.
A rapid response team would also be on standby to address incidents of violence, should they occur, he said.
DCOP Ankrah highlighted that the police were actively engaging with identifiable groups, political parties, and other stakeholders to keep the elections peaceful.
FROM AMA TEKYIWAA
AMPADU AGYEMAN,
KOFORIDUA
