News
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 trial involving the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, has officially concluded, with the Accra High Court scheduling July 3, 2026, to deliver its final judgement.
The closure of the trial follows months of intense legal battles between state prosecutors and the political figure over alleged breaches of Ghana’s mining regulations.
The end to the final trial was confirmed on Wednesday afternoon by the Deputy Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Dr. Justice Srem-Sai.
In a public update shared via his official social media platforms, Dr. Srem-Sai revealed that the defence team successfully wrapped up its case.
“The accused persons in the case – The Republic v Bernard Antwi-Boasiako & 2 others – called their 5th and last witness today,” the Deputy Attorney-General revealed.
“The witness was discharged from the witness box a while ago. That brought the entire trial to an end. The judge has scheduled July 3 for judgement,” the Deputy Attorney-General stated.
The court, presided over by Justice Audrey Kocuvie-Tay, brings down the curtain on a trial that has heavily captured national attention.
Background of the Legal Battle
The case stems from state-led charges filed against Chairman Wontumi, Kwame Antwi (a director of Akonta Mining), and Akonta Mining Company Limited.
The state leveled six criminal counts against the accused persons, primarily centered on, unauthorized assignment of mineral rights, allegations that the defendants assigned mining concessions without the mandatory ministerial approval.
Also, facilitating unlicensed operations, an accusations of permitting unauthorized mining activities on their Samreboi concession.
The trial advanced to the defence stage earlier this year after the Accra High Court dismissed a “submission of no case” filed by Wontumi’s legal team.
In that ruling, the court maintained that the Attorney-General’s office had established a strong prima facie case, legally compelling the politician and his firm to open their defence.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
News
SC dismisses IMANI Africa’s suit challenging President’s Authority to appoint and remove security heads
The Supreme Court has dismissed a suit filed by IMANI Africa challenging the President’s constitutional authority to appoint and remove heads of Ghana’s security agencies.
The Court, presided over by Justice Gabriel Pwamang, ruled that the case lacked merit and dismissed all the reliefs sought by the policy think tank.
It also clarified the constitutional and statutory provisions governing appointments within the various security services.
Reacting to the ruling, a representative of IMANI Africa, Kofi Bentil said the organization was informed that the court had distinguished between the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) and the Director-General of Prisons, and other security service heads such as those of the Ghana Immigration Service and the Ghana National Fire Service.
According to him, IMANI Africa’s position was that all the security service heads are public servants protected under Article 191 of the Constitution and should be treated equally under the law.
However, he said the Supreme Court ruled that the IGP and the Prisons Service leadership are special cases and should be treated differently from the heads of the other security agencies.
“In a sense, what we asked for, they haven’t given us. But they’ve decided what to give us and that’s what they explained to us,” he said.
He noted that the Court’s reasoning appeared to be based on considerations of state security and the President’s role as head of the country’s security apparatus, although IMANI Africa said it was still seeking greater clarity on the basis of the decision.
The ruling brings to an end the legal challenge over the President’s powers to appoint and remove heads of Ghana’s security agencies.
By: Jacob Aggrey
Entertainment1 week agoBig Ghun and Doreen Avio record massive turnout as Scarlett Unveiled auditions draw over 300 actors
- News6 days ago
University of Ghana launches UGA Network App to reconnect global alumni community
- News6 days ago
UG professor calls for responsible behavior from Ghanaians during the rainy season to prevent malaria
