The Ghana Police Service has assured the media of its commitment to ensuring their safety during the 2024 General Elections.
This assurance was conveyed during a stakeholder engagement held on Wednesday, November 20, 2024, at the Police Headquarters in Accra, where the Police leadership, led by Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, met with senior journalists and news editors.
In his address, IGP Dampare emphasized the vital role of the media in the upcoming elections and reaffirmed that their protection is essential for them to carry out their duties as the fourth estate.
He also noted Ghana’s strong democratic reputation, which he attributed to the collaborative efforts between institutions such as the Police and the media.
As part of the media security plan, the Police announced the deployment of liaison officers to all media houses nationwide to establish direct links between the Police and the media.
This initiative aims to address security concerns and ensure the safety of journalists covering the elections.
IGP Dampare called for collective efforts to make the 2024 elections a peaceful and orderly event, emphasizing that it should be a landmark in Ghana’s democratic history.
He also announced the establishment of a toll-free contact, in collaboration with telecommunications companies, to allow the public to easily share information with the Police.
Acknowledging the media’s role in shaping public opinion, the IGP urged journalists to maintain high standards of accuracy in their election coverage and to avoid misinformation and disinformation that could destabilize the country.
He expressed confidence that the security measures in place would allow media personnel to work without fear, regardless of their location during the election.
He concluded by urging all stakeholders to strengthen their commitment to presenting Ghana as a model of democracy and stability during the 2024 elections.
