The Chairperson of the Electoral Commission (EC), Mrs. Jean Mensa, has expressed a willingness to embrace public scrutiny and critique of the EC's activities, particularly in the lead-up to the critical 2024 election.

However, she emphasizes that such scrutiny should be characterized by objectivity and candor. Mrs. Mensa believes that this approach is crucial for maintaining national peace, security, and the continued health of the country's democracy.

“We at the EC are not above scrutiny. Scrutinise and critique our work as your role requires but do so with objectivity. Criticisms laced with insults and falsehood should be beneath you,” she told members of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) on Sunday.

This statement was delivered as a keynote address during the 27th GJAAwards ceremony, which took place at the Accra International Conference Centre. The event's theme was "Harnessing Media Freedom to Safeguard the Democratic and Security Framework: Assessing the Integrity of the 2024 Election."

The Chairperson of the EC, Mrs. Jean Mensa, emphasized that the forthcoming 2024 Election carries significant importance, as its outcome has the potential to either enhance or jeopardize the nation's peace and security.

“We are partners in this quest to build our nation. We should put our nation first and work to ensure that irrespective of our political divide, our actions and activities inure to the benefit of our dear country.”

Consequently, she urged the media to be well-informed about the intricate balance they need to maintain in order to protect Ghana's democracy, peace, and unity.

“The 2024 Election will be more than democratic exercise, it is the test of our nation’s resilience.”

“As journalists, you’ll play a crucial role in building up that resilience. You’re the ears, eyes and hearts of the citizens,” she said.

The role of journalists could either impact the nation positively or negatively, Mrs Mensa said, and called for the truth to be upheld at all times.

“Ensure that your work goes beyond mere rhetoric to practising responsible journalism”, she admonished and acknowledged the pioneering role the media had played in shaping and shepherding the nation’s democracy over the years.

The Chairperson of the EC strongly criticized certain media organizations for serving as conduits for disseminating propaganda, propagating false information, and thereby dividing the population along political party lines. She emphasized the need for the media to fulfill their duty by prioritizing transparency, truth, and accuracy.

“Your work as journalists will impact positively or negatively on our dear nation. As the Fourth Estate, you’re not only facets of our democracy, you’re its bedrock, beacon of truth.”

“You’re the guardians of transparency. You’re the vanguard for freedom, catalyst for informing and shaping public debate.”

She pointed out that the National Media Commission should enforce rigorous adherence to media ethics and establish standards to uphold truth and respect, while taking punitive measures against those who violate the rules and regulations. In addition, she stressed the importance of citizens being discerning and consistently seeking the truth from the media.

“The power of the pen is unmatched and, therefore, must always engage in fact-checking of every information received thoroughly to avoid misinforming the public.”

In all, 34 awards were presented to journalists and media organisations for exceptional reporting and excellent work, with Mr Erasmus Asare Donkor, a Broadcast Journalist with Multimedia Group, being crowned the Journalist of the Year.