The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), in collaboration with the Electoral Commission of Ghana, has organized a workshop in Accra to equip journalists with essential safety and security skills for covering the December 7, 2024, general elections. The session, led by the Deputy Vice President of GJA, Madam Linda Asante Agyei, emphasized the need for media practitioners to prioritize their safety and professionalism throughout the electioneering process.
Madam Asante Agyei underscored the crucial role of journalists in ensuring peaceful and credible elections, stating that the workshop aimed to prepare participants to face challenges before, during, and after the elections. “We are equipping you with the necessary tools to ensure that you go into the elections safely and come out of it safely,” she stressed.
Key Safety Guidelines
1. Preparation Before Coverage: Journalists were urged to research potential hotspots, understand local laws, and prepare emergency contact lists. Identifying the attitudes of local political actors and voters was also highlighted as critical.
2. Physical Safety During Coverage: Maintaining a low profile, safeguarding equipment, and being mindful of surroundings were noted as essential measures to prevent harassment or physical harm.
3. Digital Safety: Participants were advised to secure devices, use encryption tools, and safeguard against cyberattacks and online harassment.
4. Psychological Safety: The workshop addressed managing stress, anxiety, and trauma, with a call for journalists to mentally prepare for verbal attacks and abusive language, particularly from political actors.
5. Election Day Safety: Journalists were reminded to plan their routes, stay informed about local conditions, and be prepared for emergencies, drawing lessons from past incidents such as Ayawaso West Wuogon and Techiman South.
6. Post-Election Vigilance: Media practitioners were urged to remain alert after the elections to avoid potential tensions and maintain impartiality in their reporting.
Madam Asante Agyei announced plans to establish a Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) to monitor and address issues affecting media practitioners during the election period. Media houses were encouraged to provide Election Safety Kits to ensure the well-being of their staff.
The Deputy Vice President reminded journalists to uphold national interest and professionalism, cautioning against partisan bias or actions that could endanger the country’s peace and democracy. “Remember, there is only one Ghana, and we must all collectively and jealously protect it,” she concluded.
