GJA and U.S. Embassy host series of Media for Democracy Conventions

The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) will hold a series of one-day Media For Democracy Conventions on the 2012 Election. Focusing on the theme “Towards Free, Fair and Peaceful Elections: the Role of the Media,” the participants from the media, political parties, and civil society will examine the status of existing cooperation between these community voices and the important role of communication to promote a vibrant and inclusive environment on the campaign trail and through the electoral process. The events are being organised by the GJA and sponsored by the U.S. Embassy in Ghana.

The first of the three conventions will begin with that of Kumasi on Monday, 27th August 2012 at Miklin Hotel at 9:00 a.m. It will be followed by a convention in Sunyani on Tuesday, 28th August 2012 at the Bob Peirce Memorial Centre and end in Takoradi at the GAPOHA Senior Staff Club House on Thursday, 30th August 2012.

Speakers in Kumasi include Ambassador Kabral Blay-Amhere, Chairman of the National Media Commission and Alison Bethel-McKenzie, Executive Director of the International Press Institute.

The primary objective of the conventions are to bring media practitioners and civil society together to identify best practices and to craft solutions to promote peace and robust discussion in an election year.