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President Akufo-Addo challenges Ghanaian journalists to combat disinformation ahead of 2024 elections
At the 28th Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) Media Awards held on Saturday, September 28, 2024, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo underscored the critical responsibility of Ghanaian journalists in safeguarding the nation’s democracy, particularly as the 2024 elections draw near.
Addressing an audience of media professionals, the President emphasized the growing challenges posed by disinformation, misinformation, and the digital age.
As part of the celebration marking 75 years of journalism excellence, the President noted that while technology has democratized access to information, it has also created new vulnerabilities. In the current media landscape, where social media platforms enable the rapid spread of information, journalists are faced with the task of ensuring that facts prevail over falsehoods.
“In this digital age, we face new challenges—disinformation, misinformation, fake news, and sensationalism—that can distort the electoral process. Journalists must rise to the occasion by being the gatekeepers of truth,” the President stated.
With the country set to embark on yet another crucial election in December 2024, President Akufo-Addo called on the media to report with integrity, fairness, and accuracy, ensuring that citizens are well-informed to make decisions that affect their future. He stressed that the stakes are higher than ever, and the role of the media has never been more critical.
“The responsibility of the media during elections cannot be overstated. It is through your work that citizens are informed about the policies of political parties, the integrity of candidates, and the issues that matter most to their lives,” he added.
The President’s speech also reflected on the broader role of journalism in shaping Ghana’s democracy. He credited the media for its role in promoting transparency, accountability, and the public good, particularly in periods of political transition. He highlighted the media’s contribution to the restoration of democracy in 1992 and its continued involvement in educating the public and safeguarding democratic values.
The President noted that journalism, as the “fourth estate,” has been pivotal in moving Ghana forward. He urged media practitioners to maintain their professionalism and safeguard the public’s trust by adhering to the principles of truth, fairness, and impartiality.
However, he was quick to caution that with great power comes great responsibility. “The bond between journalists and the public is built on trust, and it is this trust that must be continually safeguarded by your professionalism and dedication to accuracy, fairness, and balance,” he said.
As a passionate advocate for press freedom, President Akufo-Addo recounted his efforts in advancing the rights of journalists in Ghana. He highlighted his government’s commitment to passing the Right to Information Act, which empowers journalists and the general public to access critical information to hold leaders accountable.
This, coupled with the repeal of the Criminal Libel Law during his tenure as Attorney General in 2001, has strengthened the foundation of press freedom in Ghana.
President Akufo-Addo, whose term as president is set to end, reflected on his long-standing relationship with the media. He emphasized the personal significance of attending the awards ceremony, noting that it would be his last as President of the Republic. Despite returning from a demanding schedule at the United Nations General Assembly in New York, he made it a priority to attend the event in recognition of the invaluable role the media has played in his presidency and the democratic journey of Ghana.
In conclusion, President Akufo-Addo commended the resilience, courage, and dedication of Ghanaian journalists. He reaffirmed his belief that a free and vibrant press is crucial to democracy, and as the country prepares for the 2024 elections, he called on the media to uphold its duty as the torchbearer of truth and fairness.
“I remain deeply committed to ensuring that the media in Ghana remains free, vibrant, and independent. Your work is essential to the strength of our democracy, the integrity of our elections, and the progress of our nation,” the President declared, leaving the audience with a message of hope and responsibility as they prepare for the next chapter in Ghana’s political history.
The Ghana National Gas Company has marked this year’s International Women’s Day with a call for stronger mentorship, collaboration and deliberate action to promote women’s participation and leadership in Ghana’s energy sector.
The event, held under the theme “Give to Gain,” brought together government officials, industry leaders, students and women’s groups to reflect on the progress women have made and the steps needed to expand opportunities for them, particularly in the energy industry.
The event sought to empower women and create equal opportunities that would strengthen institutions, drive innovation and contribute to national development.
In her opening remarks, the Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture, Emelia Arthur, stated that the progress women enjoy today did not happen by accident but was the result of sacrifices made by others who created opportunities and opened doors.
She explained that every generation had a responsibility to protect and expand those gains, noting that more women were now entering sectors that were once dominated by men.
Madam Arthur added that institutions must intentionally create opportunities through mentorship, professional development and leadership support for women.
According to her, this would not only promote fairness but also strengthen Ghana’s competitiveness in sectors driven by science, technology and innovation.
She urged women who had benefited from opportunities to help open doors for others, stressing that true leadership was measured not by how far individuals rose but by how many others succeeded because of their support.
Deputy Chief of Staff for Administration at the Presidency, Nana Oye Bampoe Addo, said the month of March remained important for Ghana because it celebrated both the country’s independence and the achievements of women worldwide.
She noted that the annual observance provided an opportunity not only to celebrate women’s contributions but also to examine barriers that continued to limit their full participation in several sectors.
Madam Bampoe Addo explained that the theme “Give to Gain” highlighted the importance of women supporting one another through mentorship, knowledge sharing and opportunities, adding that when women thrived, institutions and societies also benefited.
She pointed out that women were increasingly making an impact across Ghana’s energy sector, while government efforts to stabilise the sector and expand electricity access remained crucial for economic growth and job creation.
Chief Executive Officer of Ghana National Gas Company, Judith Adjobah Blay, said the theme emphasised the reciprocal benefits of investing in women.
She announced the formation of the Ghana Gas Ladies Association, describing it as a platform to support mentorship, professional development and collaboration among women within the company and the wider energy sector.
Madam Blay added that the initiative would help encourage more women to pursue careers in areas such as engineering, science and leadership within the industry.
Board member of Ghana National Gas Company, Emmanuel Vincent, stated that the company recognised the important role women played in shaping the energy sector.
He noted that management was making deliberate efforts to increase the representation of qualified women, especially in engineering and leadership positions, adding that empowering women would support innovation and national development.
International Women’s Day is celebrated on March 8 every year to recognize the achievements of women across the world and to promote gender equality, women’s empowerment and equal opportunities in all sectors of society.
By: Jacob Aggrey
The Minister for the Interior, Muntaka Mohammed Mubarak, has explained that the pass mark for the ongoing security services aptitude test was set at 65 because of the limited number of spaces available in the current recruitment exercise.
According to him, the decision was necessary to reduce the number of applicants progressing to the medical stage of the recruitment process.
Mr. Mubarak explained that although more than half a million Ghanaians applied to join the security services, the first phase of the recruitment would only absorb about 5,000 recruits.
He noted that after the initial body selection and documentation stages, only a small number of applicants were disqualified, leaving more than 400,000 candidates eligible to sit for the aptitude test.
The minister indicated that allowing all those candidates to proceed to the medical examination stage would be unfair, especially because applicants are required to pay for the medical tests.
“Are you going to allow over 400,000 people to do medicals when there are only 5,000 spaces?,” he asked.
Mr. Mubarak explained that the pass mark was therefore fixed at 65 to drastically reduce the number of candidates progressing to the next stage.
He disclosed that even with the pass mark set at 65, about 105,000 applicants had still qualified to undertake the medical examinations, which remains far above the number of available positions.
The minister stressed that government wanted to avoid a situation where thousands of young applicants would spend money on medical examinations despite having little chance of being recruited.
He explained that the medical tests include several checks such as drug screening and mental health assessments, which contribute to the cost of the process.
According to Mr. Mubarak, the President had directed that the data of candidates who successfully pass the medical examinations should be kept for future recruitment exercises.
He said this would allow government to consider them in the next phase of recruitment instead of making them go through the entire process again.
Mr. Mubarak noted that the current exercise forms part of the 2025 security services recruitment, adding that government hoped to conduct another recruitment exercise once the country’s financial situation improves.
He added that applicants who pass the medical stage but are not selected in the current phase may only be required to repeat the medical examinations if a long period passes before the next recruitment.
By: Jacob Aggrey
