GJA cautions media houses declaring on final election results

The Vice President of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) Linda Asante Agyei, has cautioned media houses against declaring final results in the upcoming 2024 election.

She emphasized that it is the sole responsibility of the Electoral Commission (EC) to make such declarations.

Speaking at the launch of an SDG facility project by the Ghana Center for Democratic Development in partnership with the Danish Embassy, aimed at strengthening climate reporting and defending media freedom, Asante Agyei underscored the importance of responsible reporting, citing the potential for conflicts arising from inaccurate information.

Also read; Why the 2024 election cannot be rigged – Jean Mensa explains

According to her, journalists should only present provisional results until the EC certifies the final results.

“Our role becomes very, very key to ensure that we report and report responsibly, we come out with the right information, and we are doing this in collaboration with the Electoral Commission,” she said.

Asante Agyei emphasized that media houses should not take it upon themselves to declare final results, but rather present provisional results until they are certified by the EC.

“Remember, for us as media houses, we are not the final institutions to even announce election results, it’s supposed to be the EC, and we have to do that in collaboration with them,” she added.

The project, which aims to strengthen climate reporting and defend media freedom, also touched on measures to ensure accurate reporting.

Rev. Mawuli Tsikata, a member of the Citi FM project implementing team, discussed the use of AI tools to identify fake news and training journalists to combat disinformation.

As part of the project, journalists will undergo training on how to identify and combat fake news using AI tools and online platforms.

The project will also provide a network of journalists who will work together to promote accurate reporting and combat disinformation.

Madam Asante Agyei’s caution serves as a reminder to media houses in Ghana of their critical role in ensuring responsible reporting during elections.

By presenting provisional results until certified by the EC, journalists can help maintain public trust and avoid potential conflicts arising from inaccurate information.

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