Media Coalition Ghana Hails Peaceful Elections, Urges Calm Post-Vote

 By Shine Kwawukumey 




The Media Coalition Ghana, a consortium of key media bodies in the country, has lauded Ghanaians for the peaceful conduct of the 2024 general elections, while highlighting some key challenges and issuing calls for responsible behavior post-election.


Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday, December 10, 2024, the President of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), Mr. Albert Dwumfour, described the electoral process as one of the best in the nation’s history. 


The Coalition, which includes the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), Ghana Independent Broadcasters Association (GIBA), Private Newspapers and Online News Publishers Association of Ghana (PRINPAG), and New Media Association of Ghana (NMAG), assessed the elections based on reports from 276 volunteers deployed to constituencies nationwide.


"The election processes have been generally peaceful despite some regrettable and avoidable challenges, including the loss of lives in certain areas," Mr. Dwumfour noted.


The Coalition praised the role of the media in promoting transparency and accountability throughout the electoral process. 


Pre-election coverage focused on candidate profiles, policy debates, and voter education, while Election Day reporting featured real-time updates on the casting, counting, and collation of votes. Post-election, the media has continued to provide in-depth analysis of results and their implications.


Mr. Dwumfour applauded the professionalism of journalists and the media's resilience, calling their efforts "one of the best in our election history." 


Special recognition was given to election volunteers, media practitioners, and security agencies, particularly the Ghana Police Service, for ensuring the safety of journalists in the field.


"We applaud the Ghana Police Service for safeguarding and ensuring the safety of media practitioners and a generally peaceful election process," he said.


Despite the positive assessment, the Coalition flagged several challenges. 


Journalists faced access restrictions at some constituency collation centers, with some being denied entry despite having proper accreditation. 


The Coalition also noted that while no physical attacks were reported, some journalists experienced trauma due to proximity to incidents of violence.


The Coalition congratulated President-elect John Dramani Mahama on his victory and praised the statesmanship of NPP presidential candidate Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, who conceded defeat and congratulated Mr. Mahama prior to the official declaration by the Electoral Commission.


Acknowledging the emotional impact of the election results, Mr. Dwumfour urged both winners and losers to exercise restraint.


"We encourage winners of the elections to be moderate and magnanimous in their celebrations and call on losers to exercise restraint," he said, emphasizing the need for political party leaders to counsel their supporters against acts of vandalism and violence.


The Media Coalition Ghana condemned the destruction of state property in some areas and called on the Inspector General of Police to prosecute perpetrators of these "acts of impunity."


In closing, the Coalition reiterated its commitment to promoting peace and national cohesion, urging the media to continue its role as a force for unity.


"At this moment, we must avoid divisive tendencies or anything that will undermine the peace of the country," Mr. Dwumfour stated.


The Media Coalition Ghana pledged to maintain professionalism in media reportage as Ghana embarks on its next chapter under President-elect Mahama’s leadership.


Long live the Media Coalition Ghana,

Long live our democracy.

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