Election 2020: GPN charge photo journalists, videographers to exercise high professionalism

GPN President David Andoh

The Ghana Photojournalists Network (GPN) has charged all photo journalists and videographers accredited by the Electoral Commission to exercise professionalism of the highest order in covering the 2020 General Election.

Ghana will hold its General Election on Monday, December 7, with all registered voters expected to go out to exercise their rights in choosing the preferred presidential and parliamentary candidates.

Ahead of the crucial day, Ghana Photojournalists Network has urged members accredited to cover the polls to adhere to the election regulations to ensure a successful and peaceful election this year.

“We wish to advise you to exercise high professionalism and be guided by your ethics and fair judgment in the coverage of events,” a press release from the group signed by its president David Andoh has said.

The release adds, “We encourage you to move in groups and promptly alert security personnel on duty in case of any unexpected occurrence.”

Meanwhile, the GPN is calling on the security agencies to protect media personnel covering this year's general elections.

Find the full press release below:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The Ghana Photojournalists Network(GPN) urges Photo Journalists and Videographers accredited by the Electoral Commission to cover the general elections to adhere to the Election regulations to ensure a successful and peaceful election this year.

"We wish to advise you to exercise high professionalism and be guided by your ethics and fair judgement in the coverage of events. We encourage you to move in groups and promptly alert security personnel on duty in case of any unexpected occurrence."

We humbly call on the security agencies to protect media personnel covering this year's general elections".

The GPN has observed that on occasion Photojournalists and Videographers going about their lawful duty of photographing events and some infractions in society have been attacked by some unscrupulous persons ostensibly to prevent scrutiny or evade arrest. This is not only unfortunate, it is also against the fundamental human right of Photojournalists and all efforts must be made to ensure their security.

It must be pointed out that photography "is an important medium that helps document moments of life and presents objective perspectives that catalyses the development of nations." In other words photography is the perfect mirror that reflects happenings in society, as such all well meaning Ghanaians must support, protect and encourage Photojournalists to carry out their responsibility faithfully to help speed up the development of the country.

GPN, affiliated with the Ghana Journalists Association, is the umbrella body that promotes professionalism and the welfare of Photojournalists and Videographers among other ideals.

Thank you.

signed

David Andoh

President