Mr Osei Nsiah , the Ashanti Regional Director of the Electoral Commission (EC), has cautioned journalists against prematurely declaring winners ahead of the EC’s official announcement in the upcoming December elections.
Speaking at a training session for journalists from the Ashanti ,Upper East,Bono ,Northern , Upper West and Ahafo regions at Camp Martin hotel at Fumesua (Kumasi)today, Mr Osei emphasized the importance of accurate and responsible reporting to promote peace during the electoral process.
“Never declare results when the EC has not verified them. What happens when your results differ from the EC?.This could lead to chaos in the country,” he stated.
Mr Osei urged journalists not to engage in speculation but rather to seek clarification from the EC on any issues they encounter. He emphasized that premature declarations could incite tensions and disrupt the electoral process.Mr Osei’s advice comes amidst efforts to ensure peaceful discourse in the media leading up to the 2024 general election.
The training, organized by the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) in collaboration with the Electoral Commission , aimed to equip journalists with the necessary skills to report on electoral processes responsibly. Mr Osei cautioned against the dissemination of “planted” stories by politicians or party followers without proper verification, noting that such actions could jeopardize the peace and security of the country.
Promoting peaceful journalistic discourse in the various media platforms in the country ahead of elections 2024 is very critical and a duty on all Ghanaians to consolidate the country’s 32 years of democratic principles,” he said.
Source:Ayisah Foster
