Election Peace and Safety

 By Shine Esi Kwawukumey. 



A high-level multi-stakeholder dialogue on media and security was held yesterday at the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC), focusing on the theme "Safeguarding Peace Before, During, and After Elections 2024: The Role of the Media and Security Actors." 


The event aimed to explore the intersection of media and security roles during election periods, ensuring a peaceful and secure electoral process in December 2024.




In his welcome address, Major General Richard Addo Gyane, Commandant of KAIPTC, called on the media and security agencies to collaborate effectively. 


He emphasized the importance of maintaining neutrality, especially on the part of security agencies, and urged the media to exercise caution in their reportage.


 "The integrity of the outcome can be guaranteed only in an atmosphere of collaboration and information sharing between the media, the security agencies, and all stakeholders," Major General Gyane said. 


He expressed confidence in the collective ability to overcome any emerging threats to peace before, during, and after the elections.




Princess Sekyere-Bih, Director of Kingdom Concepts Consult, highlighted the double-edged power of the media in conflict situations. 


She noted that while the media can be a tool for promoting peace, it can equally inflame violence if not handled responsibly. 


Sekyere-Bih pointed to challenges in Ghana, such as access to information, media ownership by politicians, and the risk of misinformation. 


She posed several critical questions, including how to balance transparency in reporting with protecting sensitive security information and how to combat misinformation during election periods.




Partnering the dialogue, Dr. Abena Animwaa Yeboah-Banin, Head of the Department of Communication Studies at the University of Ghana, emphasized the growing threat of misinformation and disinformation, particularly on digital platforms. 


She called for a concerted effort from all stakeholders to address this issue in the lead-up to the elections.




The event's keynote speaker, Dr. Jonathan Sandy, Head of the AU ECOSOCC Peace and Security Cluster, underscored the role of media and security agencies in protecting democratic processes and safeguarding voter confidence. 


His address focused on the need for a united front against threats to peace, such as misinformation and violent extremism.


The dialogue is expected to continue with deliberations on these pressing concerns, aiming to establish clearer guidelines for the media and security agencies to work together in ensuring peaceful and credible elections in December 2024.

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