The National Peace Council (NPC) has encouraged news editors to manage information they share with public in the run-up to the 2024 general elections.
According to the Council, the spread of misinformation and hate speech is gradually eroding trust in the country’s democratic system.
“As we gear up for the elections, the need to tackle false information and manipulative narratives has never been more pressing.”
“Hate speech, misinformation and disinformation have become widespread in recent times.”
“This is where editors are most needed to manage the information that get to the public,” Chairman of the Peace Council, Rev. Dr. Ernest Adu Gyamfi, said at a meeting with news editors on Wednesday, August 21, 2024.
Rev. Dr. Adu Gyamfi noted with concern how people have weaponised misinformation to influence public opinion.
He says this can “potentially swing election outcomes [and] lead to war.”
“The consequences of these actions cannot be underestimated,” he stated.
Guidelines on hate speech
The Peace Council says it has collaborated with the National Media Commission (NMC) to develop guidelines on hate speech.
It says indecent expressions and intemperate language have also been a major threat to the country.
The guidelines are expected to help curb these emerging issues.
“Voters struggle to make informed decisions and are challenged to separate the facts from fiction.”
As the elections approach, the Peace Council wants the media to cultivate the attitude of conflict-sensitive reporting and present balanced narratives.
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By Christian Yalley
