IPNEWS: ECOWAS Commission Resident Representative to Liberia, Josephine Nkrumah, is cautioning Liberia journalist to ‘deliberately tackle the spread of fake news and hate speech towards the ensuing October 10 general Legislative and Presidential Elections in Liberia.
Ambassador Nkrumah stated that Liberian Journalist play a pivotal role in deescalating the socio-political tensions currently persisting in the country.
Speaking at the start of a two-day ECOWAS media engagement in Monrovia, focuses on countering misinformation and disinformation during electioneering period, Ambassador Josephine Nkrumah said the media, as the gatekeepers, have the power to promote critical thinking by setting the agenda for informed, engaged and discerning civic discourse.
According to Nkrumah, the debilitating impact of misinformation and disinformation on elections can be seen in a number of recent elections around the world, particularly within our region, “where lives were lost, properties destroyed, and the credibility of elections compromised.
“As you may know, misinformation and disinformation pose serious threats to our nascent democracy,” she said. “They have become instruments that can be used to manipulate public opinion, sow discord, and undermine the electoral process.”
“We have had four coups from post-election conflicts in the sub region and Liberia must stem the tide. The world looks to Liberia to showcase its growing democracy. Ambassador Josephine Nkrumah told senior Media officials.
The ECOWAS envoy noted that going forward, the Liberian media needs help to promote social cohesion, foster understanding, and counter divisive narratives during electioneering periods.
She added that with the election just a few weeks away, it is critical for the media to ensure that the information reaching to the public is accurate and meets ethical standards.
“The ECOWAS Commission sincerely hopes to foster an environment of informed and responsible journalism and reporting, believing that we will all contribute to the empowerment of our citizens and the consolidation of our democratic institutions.
“We hope to promote inclusivity, work towards eliminating fake news, resist giving our platforms to people who devise and promote hate speeches and inciting statements and ensure that the resonating voices of all Liberians are heard and adequately represented,” Nkrumah added.
“I take this opportunity to reaffirm ECOWAS’s commitment to complementing national efforts towards free, fair, inclusive, transparent and peaceful elections,” she added.
