Journalists in the Ashanti Region have been taken through a rigorous training exercise to enable them comprehensively cover this year’s general election.
The Convention which saw expects, retired media practitioners and members of the regional Election commission participating, was organized by the Ghana journalist Association and sponsored by the U.S Embassy.
Speaking to Peacefmonline reporter, Isaac Kwame Owusu, National president of the Ghana journalist Association, Dr. Affail Monnie expressed worry about the frustration media practitioners go through before being given the opportunity to vote ahead of the general Elections.
"The Electoral Commission has liaised with the Ghana journalist Association to provide accreditation for media practitioners in this year’s general elections but we are urging them to expedite the process and also ensure that every media house is provided with accreditation to cover this year’s general election" he said.
Dr. Affail Monnie also appealed to the electoral commission to release certified results to the media on time to prevent them from churning out figures which can create confusion.
Speaking on the theme; Towards free, fair and undisputed elections, the role of the media, Chairman of the National Media Commission Mr. Kwesi Gyan Apenteng was worried about the use of social media.
We must be careful when disseminating information provided on social media, if possible we should do double crosschecking before giving it out for public consumption. It is our duty to protect this country before, during and after elections, Mr. Apenteng noted.
Press Attaché at the U.S Embassy, Sara Steely expressed her appreciation to the Ghana journalist Association for their effective collaboration with the U.S Embassy and the commitment to have journalist trained for this year’s general elections.
"Though we are providing the financial support we also want to ensure that the country’s peace is not jeopardized in this year’s general elections. We trust that this training will remind journalist and keep them on their toes when reporting during the elections".
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