Akufo-Addo: Those who attack journalists, attack democracy

President Akufo-Addo has said the safety and security of journalists is a matter of great concern to the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP).

The president said the government is committed to ensuring that the media in Ghana remains free, vibrant and independent.

Speaking at the 2023 GJA Awards on Saturday (28 September) at the Accra International Conference Centre in Accra, the president commended the resilience, courage, and dedication of Ghanaian journalists.

He reaffirmed his belief that a free and vibrant press is crucial to democracy, and as the country prepares for the 2024 elections, he called on the media to uphold its duty as the torchbearer of truth and fairness.

“I remain deeply committed to ensuring that the media in Ghana remains free, vibrant, and independent. Your work is essential to the strength of our democracy, the integrity of our elections, and the progress of our nation,” the president said.

President Akufo-Addo called on the media to report with integrity, fairness, and accuracy, ensuring that citizens are well-informed to make decisions that affect their future.

He stressed that the stakes are higher than ever, and the role of the media has never been more critical.
“The responsibility of the media during elections cannot be overstated. It is through your work that citizens are informed about the policies of political parties, the integrity of candidates, and the issues that matter most to their lives,” he added.

President Akufo-Addo also reflected on the broader role of journalism in shaping Ghana’s democracy. He credited the media for promoting transparency, accountability, and the public good, particularly in periods of political transition.

“The Ghanaian media has shown time and time again that it is resilient, innovative and committed largely to the truth… It is deeply troubling when journalists are subject to threats, intimidation or violence simply for doing their jobs.

“No democracy can function properly when journalists are under siege. My government remains committed to ensuring that every journalist in Ghana can work without fear. Those who attack the media, attack democracy itself and such actions should not and cannot be tolerated,” he added.

New challenges

President Akufo-Addo also noted that while technology has democratised access to information, it has also created new vulnerabilities. In the current media landscape, where social media platforms enable the rapid spread of information, journalists are faced with the task of ensuring that facts prevail over falsehoods.

“In this digital age, we face new challenges—disinformation, misinformation, fake news, and sensationalism—that can distort the electoral process. Journalists must rise to the occasion by being the gatekeepers of truth,” the President stated.

The 2023 GJA Awards also marked the climax of the GJA’s 75th anniversary celebrations.

 

Source: AsaaseRadio