The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) has called on journalists to play a critical role in Ghana's constitutional reform process. According to Rebecca Ekpe, the Vice-President of the GJA, journalists must scrutinise the exercise of public power and ensure that every voice is heard. She made this statement at a media engagement in Accra organised by the Citizens Platform for constitutional reforms, a coalition of over 100 Civil Society Organisations (CSOs).
Ekpe emphasised that journalists should not leave the constitutional reform process to a select few, but rather take a leading role in ensuring that the revised Constitution represents the views of every Ghanaian. She highlighted the importance of inclusiveness, independence, integrity, and excellence in the process. The media, she said, is an integral part of the conversation, without which the implementation of the reforms would face challenges.
The Citizens Platform for constitutional reforms is a coalition of over 100 CSOs, which aims to ensure that the constitutional reform process is inclusive and representative of all Ghanaians. The platform's efforts are aimed at promoting a broad-based conversation on the reforms, with the media playing a critical role in shaping public opinion. The GJA's call for journalists to lead the charge in constitutional reform is seen as a significant step towards ensuring that the process is transparent and accountable.
Adem Abebe, a Senior Advisor at International IDEA, also emphasised the crucial role of the media in the success of the constitutional reforms. He noted that the media has the power to shape opinions and that every voice should be heard in the process. Abebe's comments highlight the importance of a free and independent media in promoting democratic values and good governance.
The media engagement in Accra was part of a training programme aimed at taking practitioners through various position papers by CSOs, the Institute of Economic Affairs, labour unions, and the New Patriotic Party (NPP). The training sought to synchronise the various position papers and examine how they could affect existing legislation. This exercise is critical in ensuring that the constitutional reform process is informed by diverse perspectives and expertise.
The GJA's call for journalists to drive constitutional reform is part of a broader effort to promote democratic values and good governance in Ghana. The Association has been actively engaged in promoting press freedom and advocating for the rights of journalists. By urging journalists to take a leading role in the constitutional reform process, the GJA is helping to ensure that the media plays a critical role in shaping Ghana's democratic future.
The constitutional reform process in Ghana is expected to be a long-term effort, requiring the active engagement of all stakeholders, including journalists, CSOs, and the general public. The GJA's initiative is seen as a significant step towards promoting a broad-based conversation on the reforms and ensuring that the process is transparent, accountable, and inclusive.
Key points
- Journalists urged to lead constitutional reform process in Ghana
- Media engagement organised by Citizens Platform for constitutional reforms
- GJA emphasises importance of inclusiveness, independence, integrity, and excellence in reform process
