The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) has deployed election volunteers across all 276 constituencies nationwide and at the Ghana International Press Centre (Press Centre) to collect and collate results from the December 7 elections.
As part of an election initiative to promote credible and transparent elections, the GJA has established a platform to project provisional and certified results on giant monitors at the Press Centre. This initiative aims to benefit the media, political actors, and the general public.
Under this project, GJA election volunteers will observe the general conduct of the elections and report any infractions against media practitioners to the association’s leadership for swift resolution.
The GJA has also formed a seven-member Election Monitoring Team tasked with compiling a comprehensive report on the election’s outcomes. Additionally, the Gifty Afenyi Dadzie Conference Hall at the Press Centre has been designated as a prime venue for political actors to hold press conferences on election-related matters.
Given its central location, the Press Centre provides a convenient hub for political actors and media personnel to interact on election issues at no cost. The initiative has received broad support from political parties and media managers.
As of Thursday, December 5, 2024, the GJA had received 9,009 media accreditation tags from the Electoral Commission for distribution to journalists, including 100 foreign correspondents covering the elections.
“We urge media practitioners to promote peace in all aspects of their work during this election period. We advise them to prioritize the nation’s well-being, maintaining objectivity and fairness in their coverage,” the GJA stated.
The association cautioned journalists to remain vigilant while avoiding actions that could jeopardize their safety, emphasizing the importance of boldness and resoluteness in their work to protect the sovereign will of the people.
The GJA also called on media owners and managers to adequately equip their election coverage teams with necessary tools, transportation, and sustenance to ensure independence and prevent compromises.
The association commended the media for their commendable work during the Special Voting Days, particularly their vigilance in exposing incidents at Ayawaso West Wuogon during voting.
“We call on all political actors and the general public to support the media in their work and to refrain from attacking journalists. We specifically urge the Ghana Police Service to protect media practitioners, enabling them to discharge their duties effectively.”
Media practitioners who face threats or harm can contact the GJA Hotlines: 025 662 2583 / 050 357 7215 for assistance.
The GJA extended a warm welcome to foreign journalists covering the elections and assured them of its continuous support.
“We invite foreign journalists to visit the Press Centre on Gamel Abdul Nasser Avenue in Accra for any necessary information or support.”
Source: A1Radioonline.Com | 101.1MHz | Bolgatanga
