President of the Internet Society Ghana Chapter (ISOC Ghana), Francis Acquah Amaning, has urged journalists to exercise caution and responsibility in their reporting before, during, and after the December polls.
Speaking at a press conference organized by the Paradigm Initiative (PIN) together with other organizations including Community Focus Foundation, E-Governance and Internet Governance Foundation for Africa, and Internet Society of Ghana Chapter in Accra on Thursday, October 31, 2024, to communicate the outcome of the Digital Rights in Africa Election Meetings to the public, President of the Internet Society Ghana, Mr. Amaning emphasized the critical role of digital rights in ensuring the integrity of elections.
He noted that in the rush to break news, some media outlets and journalists may compromise thorough investigation and verification, potentially spreading misinformation. Amaning cautioned against this practice, highlighting its potential to undermine public trust.
He appealed to the Electoral Commission (EC) to provide timely and accurate information to the public to prevent mistrust. He called on the government and the National Communications Authority (NCA) to ensure stable internet connectivity on the day of election. This, he explained, would facilitate seamless communication of results by media houses and the EC, thereby safeguarding the digital rights of media personnel.
He further requested the National Communications Authority and the Ministry of Communication and Digitalization to ensure that citizens’ digital rights are not infringed upon before, during and after elections 2024 under the guise of truncating the possibility of misinformation and disinformation as well as fake news.
Mr. Amaning stressed the importance of impartial and responsible reporting. He urged media houses and personnel to avoid partisanship and politicization, ensuring their reporting contributes to a peaceful and credible electoral process.
He also appealed to agencies of government, particularly the National Communications Authority and the Ministry of Communication and Digitalization to ensure that citizens’ digital rights are not infringed upon before, during and after elections 2024.
Sefah-Danquah/Nana Antwi Boasiako.