Hannah Annor writes from Accra
Dec. 27, 2008-Ghanaian electorates would tomorrow, Sunday go to the polls again for the presidential run-off election to choose a presidential candidate to succeed President John Agyekum Kufuor.
None of the presidential candidates attained the constitutional requirement of 50 per cent plus one vote during the December 7 general election, hence the need for the run-off.
The two candidates, Nana Addo Danquah Akufo-Addo of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), son of Ghana’s former Head of State, Edward Akufo-Addo and Professor John Evans Atta- Mills of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) are contesting.
Nana Akufo-Addo was a former Attorney-General, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Member of Parliament for Akyem Abuakwa in the Eastern region of Ghana whilst Prof Atta-Mills was a Vice President of the Republic during President Jerry John Rawlings regime that handed over to President Kufuor.
The polls which begin at 0700 hours and end 1700 hours started on Tuesday with the Special Voting which involved persons whose services would be needed on duty on the Election Day.
They include officials of the statutory body responsible for the election, the Electoral Commission, security personnel, media and party representatives who would monitor it.
Both candidates have in the last two weeks intensified their campaigns in order to win the presidential seat.
Whilst the NPP goes with the campaign message “Moving Forward’, the NDC is calling for change, using the Akan dilate “Yeresesam”.
In the December 7 polls which attracted lots of commendation for Ghana from the international community and election observers due to peace and tranquillity which prevailed, Nana Akufo- Addo pulled 49. 13 per cent and Prof Atta-Mills had 47. 92 per cent.
A gap of only 102,000 votes separated the two candidates in an election in which eight million people voted.
Nana Akufo-Addo, 64, has a former Deputy Governor of Ghana’s Central Bank, Mamudu Bawumiah as his vice presidential candidate and Prof Mills, 64, has John Mahama, Member of Parliament for Bole Bamboi in northern Ghana and former Minister of Communications under the Rowling’s administration.
Nana is married to Rebecca with 5 children whilst Prof-Atta-Mills also has Naadu as wife with a son.
-End
Saturday, December 27, 2008
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Ghana's election shinning example to Africa-says AU Observers
Story: Hannah Annor
Accra, Ghana-Dec. 9, 2008 -Ghana has distinguished herself in Africa by demonstrating that it is possible to run elections in the continent without violence, the African Union (AU) Observer Mission said on Tuesday.
It said Ghana's election was also a big relief to Africa after recent election violence in Kenya and Zimbabwe.
"Ghana has become a shining example at the time when Africa is passing through difficult times in efforts to consolidate democracy," Dr Salim Ahmed Salim, Head of the AU Observer Team, said at a news conference in Accra.
He said the team was impressed with the patience, resilience and high turnout by the Ghanaian electorate during the polls, which proved the country's political maturity.
Dr Salim said the voting process was conducted peacefully and orderly with much vigilance and enthusiasm from both voters and civil society.
He said Ghana's elections also showed the exercise of democracy without fear or favour, describing the process as most inspiring.
Dr Salim thanked Ghanaians and other observers who worked during the elections to help further consolidate the country's democracy.
Touching on the purported delay by the Electoral Commission (EC) in releasing certified results, Dr Salim urged Ghanaians to continue to exercise patience.
He said constitutional provisions indicated that the EC had 72 hours to declare the results and there was no cause for worry, since the EC had not exceeded its mandatory time.
Dr Salim also advised political parties to exercise restraint, have confidence in the EC and avoid declaring the results ahead of the EC.
Political parties, he said, must also learn to accept the election results when they are declared and respect the decision of the electorates.
The team also recommended to the EC to create additional polling stations in order to reduce the long queues during voting to manageable sizes.
On electoral materials, the team asked the EC to ensure that polling stations were well supplied with sufficient materials both for the conduct of the elections and for incidental purposes should voting and counting continue after night fall.
The team said essential voting materials such as booths should also be adaptable to the environment, such as the ability to withstand strong wind or rain.
On voter transfers, the team urged EC to improve on the process of transfers and to ensure that the transfer lists were available at all polling stations.
"The EC should consider listing the names alphabetically to ease reference," it added.
The team also called on the EC to constantly inform the public that it was the only statutory body to announce results.
Political parties should also be less intrusive at polling stations and in particular refrain from being involved with electoral officers in locating voter names in the voters’ register.
The team announced it would issue its full report on the elections soon.
Accra, Ghana-Dec. 9, 2008 -Ghana has distinguished herself in Africa by demonstrating that it is possible to run elections in the continent without violence, the African Union (AU) Observer Mission said on Tuesday.
It said Ghana's election was also a big relief to Africa after recent election violence in Kenya and Zimbabwe.
"Ghana has become a shining example at the time when Africa is passing through difficult times in efforts to consolidate democracy," Dr Salim Ahmed Salim, Head of the AU Observer Team, said at a news conference in Accra.
He said the team was impressed with the patience, resilience and high turnout by the Ghanaian electorate during the polls, which proved the country's political maturity.
Dr Salim said the voting process was conducted peacefully and orderly with much vigilance and enthusiasm from both voters and civil society.
He said Ghana's elections also showed the exercise of democracy without fear or favour, describing the process as most inspiring.
Dr Salim thanked Ghanaians and other observers who worked during the elections to help further consolidate the country's democracy.
Touching on the purported delay by the Electoral Commission (EC) in releasing certified results, Dr Salim urged Ghanaians to continue to exercise patience.
He said constitutional provisions indicated that the EC had 72 hours to declare the results and there was no cause for worry, since the EC had not exceeded its mandatory time.
Dr Salim also advised political parties to exercise restraint, have confidence in the EC and avoid declaring the results ahead of the EC.
Political parties, he said, must also learn to accept the election results when they are declared and respect the decision of the electorates.
The team also recommended to the EC to create additional polling stations in order to reduce the long queues during voting to manageable sizes.
On electoral materials, the team asked the EC to ensure that polling stations were well supplied with sufficient materials both for the conduct of the elections and for incidental purposes should voting and counting continue after night fall.
The team said essential voting materials such as booths should also be adaptable to the environment, such as the ability to withstand strong wind or rain.
On voter transfers, the team urged EC to improve on the process of transfers and to ensure that the transfer lists were available at all polling stations.
"The EC should consider listing the names alphabetically to ease reference," it added.
The team also called on the EC to constantly inform the public that it was the only statutory body to announce results.
Political parties should also be less intrusive at polling stations and in particular refrain from being involved with electoral officers in locating voter names in the voters’ register.
The team announced it would issue its full report on the elections soon.
Monday, November 17, 2008
Ghana writers Mark 2008 Day of the Imprisoned Writer
Story: Hannah Annor
Accra, Ghana-Nov 17- The Imprisoned Writer-2008 Anniversary was marked at the weekend in Accra, with a call on writers to use the pen as an instrument to promote peace during the upcoming Ghana's December, general election.
This year’s event marked the 24th Anniversary of the annual celebration to salute writers world-wide who have been attacked, imprisoned, harassed or lost their lives in the course of practising their profession.
By June this year, 40 writers and journalists world-wide had been killed, 189 disappeared, 65 attacked and 30 detained, whilst 150 others also faced death threats.
The Ghanaian Centre of International Pen (GCIP), comprising poets, editors and novelists dedicated the event to salute writers, including the Senegalese writer, Pierre Lambo Sandjo, said to have alleged that his country’ President was involved in money laundering.
Professor Kwame Karikari, Executive Director of the Media Foundation for West Africa indicated that the pen stood for the values of freedom of expression, which remained key to human rights and democracy.
He recalled historical experiences that hindered freedom of expression in the country and expressed worry that infringement on this right still pertained in other countries.
He therefore asked the younger generation to strive to preserve the enjoyment of the right of freedom of expression by guarding against any attempt to create barriers.
Prof. Karikari also reminded writers that responsibility should not be left out when enjoying freedom of expression, adding, freedom should go along with discipline, sensibility and feeling towards others.
Alhaji Abdul-Rahman Haruna-Attah, President for GCIP, said the Anniversary was worth celebrating in Ghana, especially with the clean record the country had maintained in recent years in ensuring that writers were not harassed for their works.
He however called on writers, especially the media to avoid using the pen
against national interest.
He reminded the public that violence did not originate from vacuum but was rather instigated, nurtured, directed by persons, hence the need for all to work at sustaining peace in the country.
Mr. Frank Mackay Anim-Appiah, Executive Director, GCIP also cautioned writers, saying, “we don’t want Ghanaian writers to have bad
name and record, that they were those who marred the edifice of Ghana’s peace.”
Accra, Ghana-Nov 17- The Imprisoned Writer-2008 Anniversary was marked at the weekend in Accra, with a call on writers to use the pen as an instrument to promote peace during the upcoming Ghana's December, general election.
This year’s event marked the 24th Anniversary of the annual celebration to salute writers world-wide who have been attacked, imprisoned, harassed or lost their lives in the course of practising their profession.
By June this year, 40 writers and journalists world-wide had been killed, 189 disappeared, 65 attacked and 30 detained, whilst 150 others also faced death threats.
The Ghanaian Centre of International Pen (GCIP), comprising poets, editors and novelists dedicated the event to salute writers, including the Senegalese writer, Pierre Lambo Sandjo, said to have alleged that his country’ President was involved in money laundering.
Professor Kwame Karikari, Executive Director of the Media Foundation for West Africa indicated that the pen stood for the values of freedom of expression, which remained key to human rights and democracy.
He recalled historical experiences that hindered freedom of expression in the country and expressed worry that infringement on this right still pertained in other countries.
He therefore asked the younger generation to strive to preserve the enjoyment of the right of freedom of expression by guarding against any attempt to create barriers.
Prof. Karikari also reminded writers that responsibility should not be left out when enjoying freedom of expression, adding, freedom should go along with discipline, sensibility and feeling towards others.
Alhaji Abdul-Rahman Haruna-Attah, President for GCIP, said the Anniversary was worth celebrating in Ghana, especially with the clean record the country had maintained in recent years in ensuring that writers were not harassed for their works.
He however called on writers, especially the media to avoid using the pen
against national interest.
He reminded the public that violence did not originate from vacuum but was rather instigated, nurtured, directed by persons, hence the need for all to work at sustaining peace in the country.
Mr. Frank Mackay Anim-Appiah, Executive Director, GCIP also cautioned writers, saying, “we don’t want Ghanaian writers to have bad
name and record, that they were those who marred the edifice of Ghana’s peace.”
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
NGOs call for commitment in providing essential social services
STORY: Hannah Annor
Accra, Ghana-Nov. 11, 2008 - International finance institutions and current world rade systems are undermining citizen's access to essential social services, a coalition of non-governmental organisations said on Tuesday.
The coalition dubbed: "Essential Services Platform" said, if the trend should continue, many poor countries, especially in Africa risked missing the Millennium Development Goals on health, education, water and sanitation.
Mr Alhassan Adams, a member of the National Coalition Against Privatisation of Water and also member of the Platform said at the launch of the Platform in Accra.
The Platform comprises NGOs working on health, education, water and sanitation that have come together to advocate for a change in unbridled trade liberalisation regimes affecting citizens from enjoying their economic and social rights.
Mr Adams mentioned the General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS) and the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) as some of the regimes adding to the woes of the poor in accessing services.
On health, Mr Adams said, despite improvement in government expenditure to the sector, access to quality health care continued to elude majority of Ghanaians, whilst life expectancy had also stagnated between 57, 42 years in 2000 to 56 years from 2005.
He indicated that infant mortality rates have also not seen any significant change in recent years.
Mr Adams further expressed disappointment on access to basic education despite government's interventions such as the School Feeding Programme and the Capitation Grant.
He therefore urged all Ghanaians and other civil society groups to join the Platform in order to hold policy makers accountable to respect the economic and social rights of all persons.
The Platform further pledged to periodically review its performance and remain focus in the advocacy campaign to effect the desired change.
STORY: Hannah Annor
Accra, Ghana-Nov. 11, 2008 - International finance institutions and current world rade systems are undermining citizen's access to essential social services, a coalition of non-governmental organisations said on Tuesday.
The coalition dubbed: "Essential Services Platform" said, if the trend should continue, many poor countries, especially in Africa risked missing the Millennium Development Goals on health, education, water and sanitation.
Mr Alhassan Adams, a member of the National Coalition Against Privatisation of Water and also member of the Platform said at the launch of the Platform in Accra.
The Platform comprises NGOs working on health, education, water and sanitation that have come together to advocate for a change in unbridled trade liberalisation regimes affecting citizens from enjoying their economic and social rights.
Mr Adams mentioned the General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS) and the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) as some of the regimes adding to the woes of the poor in accessing services.
On health, Mr Adams said, despite improvement in government expenditure to the sector, access to quality health care continued to elude majority of Ghanaians, whilst life expectancy had also stagnated between 57, 42 years in 2000 to 56 years from 2005.
He indicated that infant mortality rates have also not seen any significant change in recent years.
Mr Adams further expressed disappointment on access to basic education despite government's interventions such as the School Feeding Programme and the Capitation Grant.
He therefore urged all Ghanaians and other civil society groups to join the Platform in order to hold policy makers accountable to respect the economic and social rights of all persons.
The Platform further pledged to periodically review its performance and remain focus in the advocacy campaign to effect the desired change.
Friday, October 24, 2008
Ghanaian media should not be pawns for politicians
Accra, Ghana-October 22, - Mr Yaw Boadu-Ayeboafoh, General Manager, Graphic Communication Group Limited on Wednesday asked the media to be cautious in stories put out by politicians in order not to be seen as pawns in the hands
of any political party.
" Journalism can not be subordinated. The moment they do, they loose their essence and effectiveness", he added.
Mr Boadu-Ayeboafoh made the call in Accra at this year's Sam Arthur Memorial Lecture organised by the Ghana Institute of Journalism under the theme: "The Media in the Hands of Politicians, Implication for 2008 General Elections".
He therefore urged the media to be objective and committed by ensuring that their reports were factual, accurate, valid and verifiable.
"It is only when these principles are upheld that the media become useful for national unity and integration", he noted.
He added: "We must be in control and work towards peace and conciliation rather than become war-mongers and focus on national integration",
Mr Boadu-Ayeboafoh also observed that there was no need for the media to introduce adjectives such as " mammoth, well-attended or intolerant party' in their reportage, since these have some negative implications.
He tasked the media to impress on the public to refrain from violence or any unlawful acts, educate them on why they should not allow themselves to be abused or misused and empower them to exercise their franchise whilst respecting the rights of opposing factions as well.
"No Ghanaian should die because of elections, those for whom they are ready to fight know so well that fighting is not necessary, what is important is to allow the people to freely, peacefully and voluntarily chose their leaders", the General Manager added.
He reminded journalists that although they worked for an employer, they owned an equal responsibility to society and should therefore abide by the National Media Commission's guidelines for political reporting that demanded the publication of truthful, unbiased information.
On the part of politicians, Mr Boadu-Ayeboafoh entreated them not unjustifiably destroy the integrity and character of opponent, but to act in ways that would promote and enhance democratic stability and constitutionalism.
"Political parties and their leadership must equally meet all obligations and responsibilities to be faithful to Article 41 of the 1992 Constitution which provides that the exercise and enjoyment of rights and freedoms is inseparable from performance of duties and obligation.
Mr Kofi Amponsah-Bediako, Government Spokesperson for Social Services who chaired the lecture also reminded the fourth estate of the realm to reinforce their support for effective political actions and focus on educating the public on controversial policies and issues to enable them make informed decisions.
Sam Arthur was a Director of GIJ from 1962 to 1963; he is described as an epitome of free and independent journalism.
of any political party.
" Journalism can not be subordinated. The moment they do, they loose their essence and effectiveness", he added.
Mr Boadu-Ayeboafoh made the call in Accra at this year's Sam Arthur Memorial Lecture organised by the Ghana Institute of Journalism under the theme: "The Media in the Hands of Politicians, Implication for 2008 General Elections".
He therefore urged the media to be objective and committed by ensuring that their reports were factual, accurate, valid and verifiable.
"It is only when these principles are upheld that the media become useful for national unity and integration", he noted.
He added: "We must be in control and work towards peace and conciliation rather than become war-mongers and focus on national integration",
Mr Boadu-Ayeboafoh also observed that there was no need for the media to introduce adjectives such as " mammoth, well-attended or intolerant party' in their reportage, since these have some negative implications.
He tasked the media to impress on the public to refrain from violence or any unlawful acts, educate them on why they should not allow themselves to be abused or misused and empower them to exercise their franchise whilst respecting the rights of opposing factions as well.
"No Ghanaian should die because of elections, those for whom they are ready to fight know so well that fighting is not necessary, what is important is to allow the people to freely, peacefully and voluntarily chose their leaders", the General Manager added.
He reminded journalists that although they worked for an employer, they owned an equal responsibility to society and should therefore abide by the National Media Commission's guidelines for political reporting that demanded the publication of truthful, unbiased information.
On the part of politicians, Mr Boadu-Ayeboafoh entreated them not unjustifiably destroy the integrity and character of opponent, but to act in ways that would promote and enhance democratic stability and constitutionalism.
"Political parties and their leadership must equally meet all obligations and responsibilities to be faithful to Article 41 of the 1992 Constitution which provides that the exercise and enjoyment of rights and freedoms is inseparable from performance of duties and obligation.
Mr Kofi Amponsah-Bediako, Government Spokesperson for Social Services who chaired the lecture also reminded the fourth estate of the realm to reinforce their support for effective political actions and focus on educating the public on controversial policies and issues to enable them make informed decisions.
Sam Arthur was a Director of GIJ from 1962 to 1963; he is described as an epitome of free and independent journalism.
Ghanaian media should not be pawns for politicians
Accra, Ghana-October 22, - Mr Yaw Boadu-Ayeboafoh, General Manager, Graphic Communication Group Limited on Wednesday asked the media to be cautious in stories put out by politicians in order not to be seen as pawns in the hands
of any political party.
" Journalism can not be subordinated. The moment they do, they loose their essence and effectiveness", he added.
Mr Boadu-Ayeboafoh made the call in Accra at this year's Sam Arthur Memorial Lecture organised by the Ghana Institute of Journalism under the theme: "The Media in the Hands of Politicians, Implication for 2008 General Elections".
He therefore urged the media to be objective and committed by ensuring that their reports were factual, accurate, valid and verifiable.
"It is only when these principles are upheld that the media become useful for national unity and integration", he noted.
He added: "We must be in control and work towards peace and conciliation rather than become war-mongers and focus on national integration",
Mr Boadu-Ayeboafoh also observed that there was no need for the media to introduce adjectives such as " mammoth, well-attended or intolerant party' in their reportage, since these have some negative implications.
He tasked the media to impress on the public to refrain from violence or any unlawful acts, educate them on why they should not allow themselves to be abused or misused and empower them to exercise their franchise whilst respecting the rights of opposing factions as well.
"No Ghanaian should die because of elections, those for whom they are ready to fight know so well that fighting is not necessary, what is important is to allow the people to freely, peacefully and voluntarily chose their leaders", the General Manager added.
He reminded journalists that although they worked for an employer, they owned an equal responsibility to society and should therefore abide by the National Media Commission's guidelines for political reporting that demanded the publication of truthful, unbiased information.
On the part of politicians, Mr Boadu-Ayeboafoh entreated them not unjustifiably destroy the integrity and character of opponent, but to act in ways that would promote and enhance democratic stability and constitutionalism.
"Political parties and their leadership must equally meet all obligations and responsibilities to be faithful to Article 41 of the 1992 Constitution which provides that the exercise and enjoyment of rights and freedoms is inseparable from performance of duties and obligation.
Mr Kofi Amponsah-Bediako, Government Spokesperson for Social Services who chaired the lecture also reminded the fourth estate of the realm to reinforce their support for effective political actions and focus on educating the public on controversial policies and issues to enable them make informed decisions.
Sam Arthur was a Director of GIJ from 1962 to 1963; he is described as an epitome of free and independent journalism.
of any political party.
" Journalism can not be subordinated. The moment they do, they loose their essence and effectiveness", he added.
Mr Boadu-Ayeboafoh made the call in Accra at this year's Sam Arthur Memorial Lecture organised by the Ghana Institute of Journalism under the theme: "The Media in the Hands of Politicians, Implication for 2008 General Elections".
He therefore urged the media to be objective and committed by ensuring that their reports were factual, accurate, valid and verifiable.
"It is only when these principles are upheld that the media become useful for national unity and integration", he noted.
He added: "We must be in control and work towards peace and conciliation rather than become war-mongers and focus on national integration",
Mr Boadu-Ayeboafoh also observed that there was no need for the media to introduce adjectives such as " mammoth, well-attended or intolerant party' in their reportage, since these have some negative implications.
He tasked the media to impress on the public to refrain from violence or any unlawful acts, educate them on why they should not allow themselves to be abused or misused and empower them to exercise their franchise whilst respecting the rights of opposing factions as well.
"No Ghanaian should die because of elections, those for whom they are ready to fight know so well that fighting is not necessary, what is important is to allow the people to freely, peacefully and voluntarily chose their leaders", the General Manager added.
He reminded journalists that although they worked for an employer, they owned an equal responsibility to society and should therefore abide by the National Media Commission's guidelines for political reporting that demanded the publication of truthful, unbiased information.
On the part of politicians, Mr Boadu-Ayeboafoh entreated them not unjustifiably destroy the integrity and character of opponent, but to act in ways that would promote and enhance democratic stability and constitutionalism.
"Political parties and their leadership must equally meet all obligations and responsibilities to be faithful to Article 41 of the 1992 Constitution which provides that the exercise and enjoyment of rights and freedoms is inseparable from performance of duties and obligation.
Mr Kofi Amponsah-Bediako, Government Spokesperson for Social Services who chaired the lecture also reminded the fourth estate of the realm to reinforce their support for effective political actions and focus on educating the public on controversial policies and issues to enable them make informed decisions.
Sam Arthur was a Director of GIJ from 1962 to 1963; he is described as an epitome of free and independent journalism.
Ghanaian media should not be pawns for politicians
Accra, Ghana-October 22, - Mr Yaw Boadu-Ayeboafoh, General Manager, Graphic Communication Group Limited on Wednesday asked the media to be cautious in stories put out by politicians in order not to be seen as pawns in the hands
of any political party.
" Journalism can not be subordinated. The moment they do, they loose their essence and effectiveness", he added.
Mr Boadu-Ayeboafoh made the call in Accra at this year's Sam Arthur Memorial Lecture organised by the Ghana Institute of Journalism under the theme: "The Media in the Hands of Politicians, Implication for 2008 General Elections".
He therefore urged the media to be objective and committed by ensuring that their reports were factual, accurate, valid and verifiable.
"It is only when these principles are upheld that the media become useful for national unity and integration", he noted.
He added: "We must be in control and work towards peace and conciliation rather than become war-mongers and focus on national integration",
Mr Boadu-Ayeboafoh also observed that there was no need for the media to introduce adjectives such as " mammoth, well-attended or intolerant party' in their reportage, since these have some negative implications.
He tasked the media to impress on the public to refrain from violence or any unlawful acts, educate them on why they should not allow themselves to be abused or misused and empower them to exercise their franchise whilst respecting the rights of opposing factions as well.
"No Ghanaian should die because of elections, those for whom they are ready to fight know so well that fighting is not necessary, what is important is to allow the people to freely, peacefully and voluntarily chose their leaders", the General Manager added.
He reminded journalists that although they worked for an employer, they owned an equal responsibility to society and should therefore abide by the National Media Commission's guidelines for political reporting that demanded the publication of truthful, unbiased information.
On the part of politicians, Mr Boadu-Ayeboafoh entreated them not unjustifiably destroy the integrity and character of opponent, but to act in ways that would promote and enhance democratic stability and constitutionalism.
"Political parties and their leadership must equally meet all obligations and responsibilities to be faithful to Article 41 of the 1992 Constitution which provides that the exercise and enjoyment of rights and freedoms is inseparable from performance of duties and obligation.
Mr Kofi Amponsah-Bediako, Government Spokesperson for Social Services who chaired the lecture also reminded the fourth estate of the realm to reinforce their support for effective political actions and focus on educating the public on controversial policies and issues to enable them make informed decisions.
Sam Arthur was a Director of GIJ from 1962 to 1963; he is described as an epitome of free and independent journalism.
of any political party.
" Journalism can not be subordinated. The moment they do, they loose their essence and effectiveness", he added.
Mr Boadu-Ayeboafoh made the call in Accra at this year's Sam Arthur Memorial Lecture organised by the Ghana Institute of Journalism under the theme: "The Media in the Hands of Politicians, Implication for 2008 General Elections".
He therefore urged the media to be objective and committed by ensuring that their reports were factual, accurate, valid and verifiable.
"It is only when these principles are upheld that the media become useful for national unity and integration", he noted.
He added: "We must be in control and work towards peace and conciliation rather than become war-mongers and focus on national integration",
Mr Boadu-Ayeboafoh also observed that there was no need for the media to introduce adjectives such as " mammoth, well-attended or intolerant party' in their reportage, since these have some negative implications.
He tasked the media to impress on the public to refrain from violence or any unlawful acts, educate them on why they should not allow themselves to be abused or misused and empower them to exercise their franchise whilst respecting the rights of opposing factions as well.
"No Ghanaian should die because of elections, those for whom they are ready to fight know so well that fighting is not necessary, what is important is to allow the people to freely, peacefully and voluntarily chose their leaders", the General Manager added.
He reminded journalists that although they worked for an employer, they owned an equal responsibility to society and should therefore abide by the National Media Commission's guidelines for political reporting that demanded the publication of truthful, unbiased information.
On the part of politicians, Mr Boadu-Ayeboafoh entreated them not unjustifiably destroy the integrity and character of opponent, but to act in ways that would promote and enhance democratic stability and constitutionalism.
"Political parties and their leadership must equally meet all obligations and responsibilities to be faithful to Article 41 of the 1992 Constitution which provides that the exercise and enjoyment of rights and freedoms is inseparable from performance of duties and obligation.
Mr Kofi Amponsah-Bediako, Government Spokesperson for Social Services who chaired the lecture also reminded the fourth estate of the realm to reinforce their support for effective political actions and focus on educating the public on controversial policies and issues to enable them make informed decisions.
Sam Arthur was a Director of GIJ from 1962 to 1963; he is described as an epitome of free and independent journalism.
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