Veteran journalist cautions radio stations to protect the airwaves

Managers of radio stations in the country have been advised not to allow the desire for money to push them into selling air time to politicians, who have no message apart from using the media to run down their political opponents. Mr. Chris Alalbila, a veteran journalist, who made the call, appealed to media practitioners to use the air waves responsibly and judiciously in the interest of the people. He made the appeal at a capacity building workshop for media personnel, organised by ProNet North and Concern Universal, in Wa, in the Upper West Region, with funding from the Australian High Commission in Ghana.

Speaking on the topic, “The Role of the Media in Promoting Free Fair and Transparent Elections”, Mr. Alalbila reminded journalists that they have a major stake in ensuring peaceful election on December 7.

He asked journalists to work professionally, objectively, and ethically, and not to give in to political manipulations that could give undue advantage to any political party or parties.

Mr. Alalbila appealed to journalists to make themselves accessible to everyone and not to only politicians.

He stressed that journalists should report fairly and cross check their facts from authoritative sources to avoid misinformation.

Miss Nerissa Piehiba Bankpiebu, Project Coordinator, ProNet North, said the project that seeks to “Enhancing Community Participation for Inclusive Governance”, was an integral part of ProNet North’s Women Empowerment Programme.

She said the project, which is being implemented within a period of 10 months, would cover Wa Municipal and Lambussie-Karni, Jirapa, Nadowli, Lawra, Wa West and Wa East Districts.

Miss Bankpiebu said Ghana’s democracy though relatively stable, had gone through some challenges, especially during the 2008 elections.

This, according to her revealed the fragile nature of the democratic process, as it was marred with suspicion, fear, mistrust and reported incidence of violence in some parts of the country.

Miss Bankpiebu observed that the conduct of some media personnel also contributed to heightening tensions in the last election, hence the purpose for organising the workshop to upgrade the knowledge and skills of journalists in election coverage.