Collaboration over Competition: An untold media perspective on covering Ghana’s 2024 elections

The 2024 general elections in Ghana were as eventful as they were historic.

From the eventual outcome of John Dramani Mahama being elected for a second return to the presidency to Ghana getting its first female vice president-elect, the list is endless.

But beyond the many reports on screen, online, and on-air lies a beautiful untold story.

I believe I speak for many colleagues or colleague journalists when I say that covering Election 2024 was not merely a test of professionalism but a testament to the power of collaboration over competition.

Let me start by saying that covering an election in Ghana is no small feat. With thousands of polling stations dotted across the country, I dare say it is physically impossible for any media house to be present everywhere.

This logistical challenge in my view, necessitated a level of interdependence among journalists from diverse media organisations who were designated to cover particular constituencies or, in some instances, multiple constituencies.

During the election, we relied on each other for information on polling station results, incidents of unrest, or other happenings we were not aware of. When a journalist at one polling station recorded disturbances or irregularities, that information was shared with other journalists and subject to discretionary follow-ups.

Similarly, when journalists missed key events or could not be present at a particular location, colleagues willingly shared video footage, which was sometimes of better sound quality, ensuring that every story could be told.

The spirit of collaboration extended beyond information sharing. Journalists exchanged power banks to keep their devices running during long hours of coverage at polling stations and collation centres. In the event of transiting to different polling stations, we sometimes shared rides. These acts of kindness demonstrated that, in moments of national significance, unity far outweighs rivalry.

For many of us, the 2024 elections also became an opportunity to meet and build friendships with other journalists from different media organisations. Working side by side under challenging conditions fostered connections that I believe will undoubtedly endure.

We learned to see one another not as competitors but as partners in the collective effort to inform, educate, and serve the Ghanaian public.

The collaboration among journalists during this election season was not only heartwarming but also a service to God and the country.

As the fourth estate of the realm, we embraced our shared responsibility to uphold democracy and provide accurate, timely, and fair reporting.

In a world often characterized by division, the 2024 elections reminded us that when we prioritize collaboration, we achieve more.

To every journalist who offered a helping hand, shared resources, or exchanged information, you did not only cover an election—you strengthened the fabric of our democracy. Let us carry this spirit forward in our profession and beyond.

Adios!

The writer is a Broadcast Journalist with Citi FM/Channel One TV.