The Executive Director of the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA), Sulemana Braimah, has called on the media to resist being used as “conveyor belts” for pro-violent and hate speech from politicians.
Speaking at a public forum on media, peace, and democratic consolidation in Ghana, Mr. Braimah emphasized the critical role of the media in filtering and responsibly disseminating political messages, particularly in the lead-up to elections.
The Executive Director expressed concern over the increasing instances of politicians engaging in vile rhetoric, propaganda, misinformation, and disinformation.
He urged the media to play a pivotal role in distilling these messages, ensuring that only information relevant and beneficial to the public is amplified.
“Our job is to make sure that whatever is being put out there is distilled,” he stated. “We set the agenda; we get people to know what is happening day by day”, he said
Highlighting the media’s agenda-setting power, Mr Braimah stressed the importance of using this influence effectively. He warned against the media simply acting as megaphones for politicians, broadcasting their messages without scrutiny.
“We shouldn’t allow ourselves to be conveyor belts, basically conveying whatever politicians are saying to the people,” he said. “Our job is to ensure that people are properly educated, hear the right messages, and can interrogate the issues.”
He also pointed out the challenges posed by media ownership, noting that many media houses in Ghana are controlled by active politicians.
Despite this, he appealed to media professionals to prioritize the unity and development of the country over partisan interests. He emphasized that the ultimate goal of political power should be to govern a thriving nation, not one divided by hatred or conflict.
“In the end, it’s not just about the elections; it’s about the development of the country,” Braimah remarked.
“We are looking for power to govern people who are alive and to continue to dialogue on making this country the best place for our citizens.”
The forum underscored the media’s crucial role in promoting peace and democracy in Ghana, especially as the nation approaches another election cycle.
