- Peace Council urges editors to manage election information.
- Misinformation and hate speech threaten democratic trust.
- Guidelines on hate speech developed with Media Commission.
- Balanced reporting promoted for peaceful elections.
The National Peace Council (NPC) has emphasized the crucial role of news editors in managing information disseminated to the public ahead of the 2024 general elections. According to the Council, the proliferation of misinformation and hate speech poses a significant threat to the country’s democratic system, eroding trust and undermining its integrity.
Rev. Dr. Ernest Adu Gyamfi, Chairman of the Peace Council, stressed the urgent need to combat false information and manipulative narratives during a meeting with news editors on Wednesday, August 21, 2024. He expressed concern over the weaponization of misinformation to sway public opinion, potentially influencing election outcomes and even leading to conflict.
The consequences of such actions, Rev. Dr. Adu Gyamfi warned, cannot be underestimated, highlighting the critical role of editors in managing information. The Peace Council has collaborated with the National Media Commission (NMC) to develop guidelines on hate speech, addressing the growing threat of indecent expressions and intemperate language.
These guidelines aim to curb emerging issues, ensuring a more responsible and balanced approach to reporting. With elections approaching, the Peace Council is urging the media to adopt conflict-sensitive reporting and present balanced narratives, enabling voters to make informed decisions.
Rev. Dr. Adu Gyamfi noted, struggle to distinguish facts from fiction, emphasizing the need for responsible reporting. By working together, the Peace Council, NMC, and media can promote a more informed and peaceful electoral process, upholding the integrity of Ghana’s democratic system.
