Professor Africanus Lewil Diedong, a professor at the SDD University of Business and Integrated Development Studies (SDD-UBIDS), has charged the media to observe the highest professional standards of journalism practice to promote peace in the country. 'Particularly in the lead-up to the general election, when some political elites and their associates, such as business tycoons would overtly or covertly influence you to win power, be fearless, and act with integrity in the pursuit of peace journalism,' he indicated. Delivering a keynote address at the maiden Upper West Regional Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) awards night held in Wa, Prof. Diedong also urged the media to 'practice people-centred journalism,' by promoting meaningful human existence through social cohesion and freedom. The awards ceremony was held on the theme: 'Sustaining Ghana's Democracy before, during, and after the 2024 General Elections: The Role of Peace Journalism' with the USAID Feed the Future Ghana PolicyLink Activity as the major sponsor. It brought together industry players across the region, the Northern Regional GJA Chairman, traditional leaders, political party representatives and Civil Society Organisations among others. Eight awards including the Regional GJA Best Journalist of the Year award were presented to four journalists and media practitioners while two retired journalists and media practitioners were also honoured for their contributions to media development in the region. Prof. Diedong stated that committing to peace journalism, especially in this electioneering, would contribute to achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 16, which focused on peace, justice and building strong institutions. On political communication, he explained that Ghana had one of the most liberal media landscapes in Africa, but it was difficult for the media to live up to expectation in terms of 'responsible political communication,' especially during national elections. He said partisan journalism could create disorder and instability, which could undermine the principle of good governance, emphasising the media's responsibility to contribute to strengthening democracy and national development efforts. 'There is, therefore, the need for journalists to remain committed to the normative ideal of responsible communication with the overriding goal of promoting public interest in the process of disseminating news and information about the December 2024 general elections', Prof. Diedong explained. Mr Peter Maala, Chief Director at the Upper West Regional Coordinating Council, who represented the Regional Minister, reiterated the role of the media in ensuring a peaceful election and building public confidence in the outcome of the 2024 general election. 'Elections are a test of the strength of our democratic institutions, and the media must ensure that this process is conducted with transparency, fairness, and integrity. It is through the media's vigilance that the public can have confidence in the electoral process and the outcom es it produces. The media must continue to play its role with diligence, fairness, and an unwavering commitment to the truth,' Mr Maala explained. Mr Dominic Hlordzi, the GJA National Organising Secretary, who represented the GJA President, emphasised the responsibility of the media to shape Ghana's democracy and promote peaceful and fair elections as the 2024 election approached. He indicated that though the 1992 Constitution of Ghana guaranteed media independence and freedom, it was not a license for the media to engage in activities that threatened national peace and security. 'As we approach the election, professionalism and ethical standards must be a priority to all of us as the freedom of the media would be meaningless if our actions and inactions drive our dear country into chaos,' Mr Hlordzi explained. Source: Ghana News Agency