Ghana's Peace Being Threatened

Participants at the July edition of the Citizen Kofi Media Dialogue series have asked for a focus on issues in media discourse as Ghana heads for general elections in 2012. Drawing lessons from the media's coverage of recent political primaries, participants warned that the focus on unimportant bickering and insults was a threat to the country's peace and unity and it was the media's responsibility to ensure the right thing is done. The discussants scored the media an average rating in terms of performance and urged practitioners to step up their game. This 7th edition of the Citizen Kofi Media Dialogue Series which came off on Friday July 29, 2011 at the Hollywood Lounge of Citizen Kofi was on the theme; the media's coverage of primaries, lessons for election 2012. The discussants included Mr. K.B. Asante (former Diplomat and Columnist for the Daily Graphic), Kojo Asante of the Centre for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana), Dr Doris Yaa Dartey (Communications lecturer and Columnist of the Spectator) and Alhassan Suhiyini (Host of Alhaji and Alhaji on Radio Gold). Also present were Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Deputy Minister of information; Bernard Mornah, General Secretary of the People's National Convention and Nana Ato Dadzie, one time Chief of Staff. There were also several media practitioners drawn from TV, Radio and print and representation from various civil society organisations and private institutions. The event was climaxed with a special reception for the organizers and winners at the first Radio and TV Personality Awards. The winners in various categories were present to receive resounding acknowledgments from the Deputy Minister of information Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, the Host of the event Dr. Kofi Amoah, Retired Diplomat K.B. Asante and several guests who attended the dialogue. The overall winner of at the RTP awards, Peace fm morning show host Kwami SefaKayi was rewarded with a new Apple I pad II in recognition of his achievements. There was also the unveiling of a Unity and Peace Album for election 2012 compiled by top Ghanaian Artistes. Lynx Entertainment, supported by the World Bank brought eleven (11) of the most renowned Ghanaian artistes together in a remix of the Ghanaian folk song, Yen Ara Asaase Ni, originally composed by Ephraim Amoo. The Citizen Kofi Media Dialogue Series is a monthly soiree for citizens [including journalists] to review the performance of the media. It takes place on the last Friday of every month. It is expected that through this platform, a cross examination of the performance of the media, individually and collectively would result in better output for the advancement of society, which is the ultimate role of all journalists. It is Sponsored by Citizen Kofi and supported by the Media Foundation for West Africa, CDD-Ghana, African University College of Communication (AUCC) and World Bank Ghana Office.