Leadership of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) has cautioned media practitioners in the country against unprofessionalism going into the 2024 elections.
According to President of the GJA, Albert Kwabena Dwumfour, leadership of association will not shield journalists whose works amount to violence and violence-related activities.
Mr. Dwumfour gave the caution on Thursday, when speaking at the Launch of the GJA/US Embassy Ghana Election 2024 project dubbed “Journalists for Peaceful Discourse”.
It comes after a monitoring report by the association came to light that the media was used as a medium to incite violence during the 2020 elections.
The GJA boss reminded the media that though there is freedom of expression it does not require speaking irresponsibly.
“Freedom of expression does not only mean allowing people to speak but also ensuring responsibility. Findings of a GJA/MNC media monitoring during the December 7 elections revealed that incitement on media platforms topped types of violence perpetuated during the election.
“This is the reason I keep admonishing media practitioners and institutions to be very professional in the discharge of their duties. I want to reiterate that the GJA does not and will not condone unprofessional conduct. We will not shield or provide cover for defiance of professionalism,” he warned at the lunching.
Practicing responsible journalism, Albert Kwabena Dwumfour said, was key in the discharge of one’s duty to avert incidents of inciting the public against the electioneering body amid undermining their work.
