Media coalition congratulates President-elect

The National Media Coalition Ghana has congratulated the President-elect, John Dramani Mahama, on his victory in the just-ended presidential election.

The pressure group further commended the New Patriotic Party (NPP) presidential candidate, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, for showing maturity and statesmanship by conceding defeat and congratulating his opponent even before the official results were declared.

Additionally, the group appealed to the President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, to enforce law and order and to ensure that peace and stability were maintained amid reports of post-election skirmishes by miscreants.

The call was made at a joint news conference in Accra yesterday addressed by the President of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), Kwabena Dwumfour.

The National Media Coalition Ghana is comprised of key media bodies, including the GJA, the Ghana Independent Broadcasters Association (GIBA), Private Newspapers and Online News Publishers Association of Ghana (PRINPAG), and others. 

Prosecute

Mr Dwumfour called on the Ghana Police Service and the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Dr George Akuffo Dampare, to enforce law and order by arresting and prosecuting those responsible for the post-election misbehaviour.

He condemned the acts and expressed concern over the vandalism and looting in parts of the country during the post-electoral period, and called on the perpetrators to stop immediately.

Mr Dwumfour also called on the leadership of the NPP and the NDC to guide their supporters to act responsibly during the period.

“At this juncture of our dear nation, we encourage members of the winning party to be moderate in their celebrations to avoid aggravating the feelings of the losing side. On the other hand, we urge the losers to exercise restraint in the face of provocation and take a cue from the maturity exhibited by your leaders,” he added.

He urged the media to continue promoting peace and national unity by avoiding divisive narratives. 

Commendation

Mr Dwumfour also commended journalists for their professionalism and resilience demonstrated before, during and after the 2024 elections.

Describing this year’s poll as one of the best, most comprehensive and impactful election coverages in the country’s history, the coalition said reports from volunteers and monitors across the country had shown that the media’s efforts had helped to build public trust in the electoral process.

Mr Dwumfour also thanked the security agencies, especially the police, for ensuring the safety of journalists during the 2024 elections.

“This year, we did not record any major incidents of physical attacks on journalists. We want to commend the Ghana Police Service, led by the IGP, Dr George Akuffo Dampare, and other security agencies for their work which ensured that journalists who were on the field went about their work peacefully and freely.

“We applaud them for safeguarding and ensuring the safety of the media practitioners and the generally peaceful election process,” he said.

Mr Dwumfour, however, highlighted that several challenges journalists faced included restricted access to some collation centres and delays in getting important election information. 

He called for improved collaboration and transparency between the Electoral Commission and the media.

The coalition encouraged continued professionalism in election reportage and called on media organisations to recognise and motivate journalists for their outstanding work during the elections.

“The media has once again showcased its vital role in our democracy, and we must sustain this momentum,” he added.

Mr Dwumfour reaffirmed the coalition’s commitment to fostering peace, national cohesion and democratic growth.