Election 2016: Don’t Create Fear And Panic – IGP Warns Media

The Inspector General of Police John Kudalor has charged the media to be circumspect in their reportage before, during and after the 2016 general elections.

Addressing Journalists Tuesday, the IGP said the media would play a crucial role in the November polls and urged journalists not to report stories that have tendency to inflame passions and create fear and panic among the general public.

“You are required to put the interest of the nation first in your reportage of the elections…your expertise and professionalism would be called into action to avoid churning out media products that would cause public disorder.

“I don’t believe any media house would do anything that would spark a confrontation in this country, the media’s role would be crucial in ensuring that the election are conducted fairly and peacefully thus the media should position themselves as neutral arbiters, and avoid hate and violence in publication and broadcasting.”

According to him, journalists must not also allow themselves to be used by politicians in the run up to the elections.

Ghana goes to the polls November 7 to elect a new President and parliamentarians. President John Mahama who is seeking a second term would face Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo of the NPP.