The Minister for Information, Fatimatu Abubakar, has called on journalists to maintain professionalism as they prepare to cover Ghana’s 2024 Presidential and Parliamentary elections scheduled for Saturday, December 7. Speaking ahead of the polls, she emphasized the critical role of the media in ensuring a peaceful electoral process by avoiding the spread of false information, sensationalism, or content that could incite violence.
Ms. Abubakar urged media practitioners to prioritize accurate and balanced reporting over personal or political biases, cautioning against the temptation to manipulate narratives for partisan gain. She emphasized that such practices could undermine the country’s democratic progress.
The Minister also appealed to politicians to conduct themselves responsibly, refraining from inflammatory remarks or actions that could disrupt the electoral process. Instead, she encouraged them to focus on presenting well-reasoned arguments and monitoring the election process lawfully through their agents.
Reflecting on the election campaign, Ms. Abubakar expressed satisfaction with the growing emphasis on policy-driven discussions rather than confrontational rhetoric. She noted that this shift towards issue-based campaigning signified progress in Ghana’s democratic journey.
As Election Day approaches, she encouraged citizens to exercise their voting rights and trust the Electoral Commission to uphold a transparent and credible process. Reaffirming her optimism for a peaceful outcome, Ms. Abubakar stressed that regardless of the results, Ghana would emerge with a new President and continue its commitment to unity and democratic values.