GJA/GBC TV debate starts on November 5

Accra, Oct. 31, GNA – The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) in partnership with the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC) is to start a new television debate programme dubbed: “The Case of the Manifesto.”   The GJA/GBC TV debate would start from Monday November 5 on Ghana Television and would feature spokespersons and representatives of all the political parties contesting the December general election.   Mr Affail Monney, Vice-President, GJA who announced this in Accra on Wednesday said the programme would be aired within the four Mondays in November.   The various representatives would be allowed to speak on four thematic areas of Education, Health, Food Security and Energy, which would include the oil and gas sector.   He explained that the programme is one of the interventions by GJA “Using the Media to Enhance the Transparency and Credibility of the 2012 Elections”.   The GJA Vice-President said since Article 162 (5) of the Constitution enjoins the Ghanaian media to demand accountability from public office holders and the Association believes that the media need to subject the manifestos of the political parties to critical interrogation.   That, he said would help the Ghanaian electorate to make informed choices...“Such exercise will help further deepened democracy by promoting issue-based campaigns”.   He said the debate would be broadcast from 000 hours and 1200 hours every Monday and would be telecasted on November 5, 12, 19 and 26.   Mr Kabral Blay Amihere, Chairman, National Media Commission who launched the programme reminded the media of their historic roles in ensuring free, fair and peaceful elections.   He asked the media to be guided by their moral obligations to give fair coverage to all political parties to ensure equity and accurate reportage.   Mr Akwasi Afriyie Badu, Chief Executive Officer, KAB Governance Consult  said the programme was initiated and carried out during the 2004 election year and  it is being continued because the impact it could have on the electioneering.   He also reiterated the point that journalists should provide a level-playing field for all participating candidates in the elections.   The GJA/GBC TV debate project is being facilitated by KAB Governance Consult and funded by STAR-Ghana a multi- donor pooled funding mechanism funded by DFID, DANIDA, EU and USAID to increase the influence of civil society and Parliament in governance.   GNA... Read Full Story