REGSEC ENGAGEMENT WITH THE MEDIA ON ETHICAL REPORTING DURING ELECTIONS

On Thursday, November 7, 2024, the Eastern Regional Security Council (REGSEC), led by the Eastern Regional Minister and Chairman, Hon. Seth Kwame Acheampong, held an engagement with members of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), Eastern Regional Branch and representatives of media outlets across the Eastern Region. The engagement, under the theme “Promoting Ethical Journalism in an Election Year,” aimed to foster collaboration with the media to ensure peaceful, accurate, and ethical reporting as the December 7 General election approaches.

Hon. Seth Kwame Acheampong highlighted the role of the media in shaping public perceptions and fostering peace. He emphasized that, with only 30 days left until the elections, REGSEC had already engaged traditional authorities and religious leaders, recognizing the importance of creating a stable environment.
“Ghana is often regarded as a beacon of democracy, and it’s essential that we maintain this reputation,” he stated. “Our engagements with chiefs, clergy, and now the media reflect our commitment to ensuring peace and security in the region. We plead for your support to shape the narrative responsibly, as we rely on the media as custodians of public information,” he said.
The chairman emphasized that fundamental freedoms are enshrined in Ghana’s constitution and these freedoms come with the responsibility to respect each other’s rights – “No one’s rights are superior to another’s,” he said, “and all discourse should be conducted with mutual respect and decency,” he added.
He appealed to the media to support REGSEC in promoting a dignified media landscape that upholds democratic principles before, during, and after the elections.
Mr. Maxwell Kudekor, the Eastern Regional Chairman of the GJA, affirmed the media’s commitment to responsible journalism. He stressed that accurate and unbiased reporting was crucial to maintaining peace and strengthening democracy. Mr. Kudekor warned against misinformation and disinformation, urging media personnel to verify sources and adhere strictly to journalistic ethics. He also reminded journalists of the importance of carrying their accreditation for easy access and recognition on the day of elections by Officials of the Electoral Commission.
During an open-forum session, members of REGSEC shared the Council’s blueprint on preparations for a safe electoral process, including details on security deployments and strategies for effective communication across the region.

The Regional Commander of the Eastern Regional Police Command, DCOP Emmanuel Twumasi-Ankrah, was confident that the police would deploy personnel strategically to ensure a peaceful election. He assured journalists for their continuous support, emphasizing that the Ghana Police Service is committed to ensuring the free flow of information and upholding public safety.
This session marked an important step in REGSEC’s Peace Tour and reaffirmed the collective dedication of both REGSEC and the media to promote a violence free before, during and after the elections.
REGSEC’s engagements with stakeholders underscore the Council’s mission to maintain a stable environment for democracy to thrive in the Eastern Region and the country at large.