MFWA Calls on Journalists to Combat Hate Speech Ahead of 2024 Elections

 

By: Gladys Takora 

Dr. Kojo Impraim, Programme Director for Media for Peace and Sustainable Development at the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA), has called on journalists to actively avoid hate speech that could incite conflict or violence in the lead-up to Ghana's 2024 elections. 

Speaking to 25 journalists from the Northern and Savannah Regions, Dr. Impraim underline the media crucial role in maintaining peace and democracy.

"Ghana has made significant efforts in sustaining its democracy, and unguarded utterances could pose significant challenges, especially during the 2024 elections," Dr. Impraim stated. 

He highlighted the need for journalists to understand the drivers of toxic narratives, misinformation, and extremist content to fulfill their peacebuilding responsibilities effectively.

The workshop, organized by MFWA, is part of a broader initiative to form a national coalition against hate speech, monitor language, and train 125 journalists across the country. 

These efforts are aimed at engaging political parties and community leaders to promote peace and democratic stability leading up to the December 7 elections.

Mr. Imoro Tahiru, Metropolitan Director for the Northern Region at the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), urged journalists to prioritize accuracy, professionalism, and impartiality. "Hate speech undermines social cohesion and fuels conflict," he warned.

Training participants on conflict-sensitive reporting, fact-checking, promoting information hygiene, understanding misinformation, and countering violent extremism, Mr. Ali Anankpieng, Executive Secretary of the Upper East Regional Peace Council, emphasized the importance of deep thinking and looking beyond surface behaviors in conflict situations.

Ms. Roselina Ahiable, Programme Manager at Dubawa, stressed the need for journalists to fact-check information before dissemination, noting that inaccurate reporting can lead to conflict.

The workshop calls attention to the vital role of the media in fostering a peaceful and democratic society as Ghana approaches the 2024 elections.