In all proper democratic countries, the media is always referred to as the Fourth Estate of the Realm to emphasise its true independent state. In countries where the independence of the media is suppressed, the rights of the people are also trampled upon by the ruling class. This means the media plays crucial roles in the development of our democratic institutions, and also ensuring the freedoms and rights of the people.
Probably it is on the basis of this that Chapter 12 of the 1992 Constitution makes elaborate provisions to protect the work of the media. The said chapter reads: 162 (1) Freedom and independence of the media are hereby guaranteed.
(2) Subject to this Constitution and any other law not inconsistent with this Constitution, there shall be no censorship in Ghana. (3) There shall be no impediments to the establishment of private press or media; and, in particular, there shall be no law requiring any person to obtain a licence as a prerequisite to the establishment or operation of a newspaper, journal, or other media for mass communication or information.
(4) Editors and publishers of newspapers and other institutions of the mass media shall not be subject to control or interference by government, nor shall they be penalised or harassed for their editorial opinions and views, or the content of their publications. (5) All agencies of the mass media shall, at all times, be free to uphold the principles, provisions and objectives of this constitution, and shall uphold the responsibility and accountability of the government to the people of Ghana.
It is an undeniable fact that the media has, indeed, lived up to expectations, as it has, since the advent of the 1992 Constitution, kept all governments on their toes. This has helped to strengthen our democracy and prevented military intervention in our body politics.
But, whilst celebrating this feat, The Chronicle admits that some of the media houses are also abusing this right given to us by the constitution. Indeed, The Chronicle and the rest of the media houses are not infallible – we are all prone to making mistakes.
But we dare say that sometimes some of these mistakes are avoidable. As professionals, we should know that the publication of inciting materials can plunge this country of ours into chaos, but this is what some of us do.
This is happening because we (media) have allowed our political leanings or affiliations to sometimes cloud our sense of judgement. May God perish this thought, but should something untoward happen in this country, we, members of the inky fraternity, will not escape from the consequences.
The Chronicle is, therefore, happy with the statement from the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) warning all of us to be circumspect with our reportage in this crucial moment. Part of the statement reads: The Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) has observed with deep concern, pieces of inflammatory and inciting content related to the ongoing agitations about the 2020 elections results that are being published or broadcast by mainstream media. Such contents have included calls for confrontations, incitement to violence, blatant unsubstantiated allegations, and other acts that do not bode well for the peace of the country.
So far, the Ghanaian media has played a crucial role in the 2020 electioneering process despite the isolated cases of unprofessional conduct by a few media organisations. Ghanaians have relied on the media for information and education about the electoral process, voting process, collation and declaration of results.
Following the disagreements on the results declared by the Electoral Commission, it is important for all stakeholders, especially the media, to recognise and play the critical roles they must play to maintain the peace of the country. This must be done while recognising the liberties of individuals and groups to use legitimate means to seek redress to concerns, and for asserting their rights under the laws of Ghana.
As the MFWA itself has admitted, the media indeed played a crucial role in the just-ended elections. This is not the time to obliterate this laudable achievement with inciting reportage that can put all of us on knife-edge. In our view, the MFWA has hit the nail right on the head, and we call on all our colleague media practitioners to be, indeed, careful with what we broadcast and publish. This will help to uphold the unity of this nation.
The post Editorial: Inflammatory reportage is, indeed, abominable appeared first on The Chronicle Online.
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