World Radio Day; GJA cautions radio broadcasters ahead of 2024 elections.

The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) has cautioned radio broadcasters and journalists ahead of the 2024 elections. In a statement read behalf of the GJA Present Mr. Albert Kwabena Dwumfour by Madam Rebecca Kpeh, Editor-in-Chief for GBC online, reiterated the fact that “radio is a powerful communication channel that can be used for good and evil in equal measure”. And for that matter, the broadcast of hate can lead to violence. She said this at the world radio day event at the UNIMAC-GIJ auditorium in Dzorwulu on February 13, world radio day on the theme “forging peace, civility and addressing incitement to violence: The role of radio.”

The event organized by the University of Media, Arts and Communication (UNIMAC-GIJ) in partnership with UNESCO Ghana brought together media practitioners, academia, students and lovers of radio to stimulate dialogue on the theme as well as share some solidarity messages from partners.

The Ghana National Commission for UNESCO in a solidarity message delivered by Mr. Peter Agyakwah, Manager for Engineering, NCA stated that, independence and impartial news reporting is a driver for democracy and good governance and therefore encouraged radio presenters, personalities and owners to ensure a balanced approach to sharing information in their broadcasts. The National Communication Authority (NCA) in a solidarity message expressed excitement on the theme as it directly speaks on some recurring events in Bawku. Mr. Agyakwah informed the audience that the NCA prioritizes licenses for community radio as it gives a voice to communities. He added that the NCA has provided over 700 licenses to give communities in that regard.

The panel discussion at the event explored issues of language usage and monitoring on radio and the role it plays in shaping thoughts and informing people at all times but critically in ensuring peace during and after elections.  It also highlighted the trend of misinformation on social media and overall increasing climate of fake news online as an emerging challenge to radio broadcasts. The panelists include Mr. Winston Amoah, Co-host for Joy Super Morning Show, Mr. Kweku Krobea Asante, Media Foundation for West Africa, Dr. Yawa Sarfo, Lecturer UNIMAC-GIJ and Mr. George Amu, Executive Secretary of the National Peace Council. Mr. George Amu.

Mr. Kafui Dey, the MC for the event and co-host of the GTV Breakfast Show encourage students to take advantage of the new radio platforms like twitter spaces, clubhouse, podcasts to develop contents and hold conversations that promote development.

In conclusion, World Radio Day is a day to celebrate the power of radio and its ability to connect people across the globe. It is a reminder of the importance of this medium of communication and the role it plays in our lives and the event placed the importance of radio in perspective on how it can promote peace for development countries like Ghana.