Minister for Information, Fatimatu Abubakar, has called for professionalism from journalists preparing to cover the 2024 presidential and parliamentary elections on Saturday, December 7.
In an interview with the Ghana News Agency, she urged media practitioners to avoid spreading falsehoods or inciting violence through inaccurate reportage or fake news.
She stressed that maintaining a peaceful election and preserving the nation’s democracy is a shared responsibility, with the media playing a critical role in upholding these values.
“Reports should not be influenced by inducement or personal, political, or parochial interests. Journalists must resist the urge to incite, embellish, or distort facts to sway public opinion or favour a particular political party,” she cautioned.
Ms. Abubakar emphasized the importance of impartial reporting, warning against sensationalism for political gain.
“The media must not perpetuate falsehoods to make stories sweeter for one political party and bitter for another. That, we must avoid!” she reiterated.
The Minister also called on politicians to act responsibly and adhere to legal expectations during the electoral process.
“For us politicians, it’s about the strength of our arguments, not insults or inciting violence. Our duty is to ensure vigilance and transparency in the process, not to compromise peace,” she said.
Ms. Abubakar further expressed satisfaction with the focus on issues rather than personal attacks.
She encouraged citizens to exercise their right to vote on election day and trust the EC to deliver a transparent process.
“The 2024 campaign has been more issue-based. Politicians are presenting arguments and policies that resonate with the electorate. This progress toward dialogue and less violence signals the growth of our democracy.
“I am optimistic that on Saturday, we will all cast our ballots with confidence in the Electoral Commission and the robust systems in place to ensure a free and fair election. In the end, Ghana will have a leader, and peace and unity will prevail,” she stated.
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