As part of efforts to ensure a peaceful election come December 2020, the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) together with Star- Ghana Foundation launched a project dubbed ‘No to Political Vigilantism and Electoral Violence’
The project funded by STAR-Ghana Foundation will be implemented across the country.
It will seek to sharpen the professional and ethical skills of journalists and media practitioners to enable them cover the 2020 elections adequately and help sustain peace and security before, during and after the polls.
The 2020 election project will draw on the recent legislation on political Vigilantism and work with key stakeholders to campaign against political vigilantism and electoral violence.
GJA President, Affail Monney emphasized the need for well-meaning Ghanaians not leave the destiny of the country in the hands of political hooligans. He stated that political vandalism is an infringement on the collective values, normative politics, regulation from state institutions and the controlling ability of the security agencies.
The Executive Secretary of the National Peace Council, George Amoh, who launched the project underscored the importance of the project and said it is the responsibility of all citizens and the media to maintain the peace of the country.
He said the National Peace Council in collaboration with some key stakeholders have developed a road map and codes of conduct for political activists and media practitioners towards ending political Vigilantism. Mr. Amo said the National Peace Council has a comprehensive peace promotion programme that will be executed in all constituencies across the country.
He said the Council is working hard to get the NDC to sign unto the peace and anti-political vigilantism pack so as to get all stakeholders on board the fight against political vigilantism and electoral violence.
The project management consultant of the GJA, Kojo Impraim, outlined the activities involved the 14- month project.
These include:
- Consecutive platform for communications among the stakeholders
- Training for the media on how to be circumspect during reporting
- Editors forum
- Engagement with the political parties
- Education on electoral laws
- Peace documentaries
- Engagement with the peace council and national security
- Breakfast meeting with the business communities on how to tackle unemployment.
Ghana | Atinkaonline.com | Abigail Owusu Ahimah