By Dominic Hlordzi, General Secretary, Ghana Journalists Association
Akwatia, in Ghana’s Eastern Region, is a town steeped in history and famed for its diamond mining industry, a vital contributor to the national economy. It is a place where tradition and modernity intersect, creating a unique backdrop for one of democracy’s most visible tests—a by-election.
That test comes on September 2, 2025, following the vacancy created when the constituency’s Member of Parliament crossed not “the carpet,” but “the great divide.” On that day, Akwatia will not just host a by-election; it will hold up a mirror to Ghana’s democracy.
At the center of this process stands the journalist—pen and notebook ready, mobile phone charged, lens focused, and heart balanced. Covering elections is not just another assignment; it is a civic pilgrimage. In moments of tension, words and images can calm storms or fan flames. That is why journalists must adhere strictly to the guidelines crafted by the National Media Commission (NMC) and the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), born of hard-won lessons.
To be a journalist in such a space is to embrace a sacred calling: to inform without inflaming, to observe without overshadowing, to tell the story without becoming the story.
Bearing the Badge, Wearing the Trust
Every polling station encounter begins with a ritual of trust.
“Good morning, my name is Dominic from the GJA. Here is my accreditation.”
A simple gesture that opens doors, affirms credibility, and weaves the journalist into the fabric of the process. To skip this is to invite suspicion; to honour it is to strengthen transparency.The Tightrope of Truth
In elections, truth is fragile. Rumours fly faster than presiding officers can announce results. Viral videos tempt careless fingers to share. But the disciplined journalist resists haste. Cross-check, verify, attribute. State clearly: “This is what we know; this is how we know it; this is what remains unclear.” Humility in reporting is not weakness—it is strength.
The Symphony of Fairness
Every candidate deserves space, and every voter a voice. Fairness goes beyond equal airtime; it requires spirit and sensitivity. Elevate the silenced alongside the powerful. Seek out the voices of women in line, elders leaning on canes, and first-time voters. They are the heartbeat of Akwatia.
Avoid incendiary language. When tensions flare, let facts anchor, context steady, and compassion guide.
The Polling Day Rhythm
From dawn’s first light to counting under solar lamps—sometimes interrupted by dumsor—journalists trace democracy’s arc. The sealing of ballot boxes, the quiet dignity of voters, the inevitable disputes, and the painstaking count.
Discipline here is crucial: no leaning too close to ballots, no announcing results before the Electoral Commission declares them. The journalist’s duty is to observe and record—not to referee.
Safety, Not Stubbornness
Journalists are not warriors, but witnesses. When tempers rise, step back. When crowds surge, find safe ground. Neutral colours, not party flags, must be your shield. A charged phone, water, emergency contacts, and patience are essential. The nation needs its reporters alive, composed, and ready.
The Newsroom’s Oath
Behind every field reporter must stand an editor and a newsroom that prioritises safety, legal support, and resources. Accreditation, training, and transport are not luxuries—they are the baseline of responsible coverage. No journalist should face intimidation alone.
A Closing Whisper
As night falls and pink sheets appear on walls, journalists must resist the temptation to “declare kings” before the referee blows the final whistle. Words must be measured: “Provisional, awaiting certification.”
The journalist’s greatest achievement is not virality but credibility—the assurance that they helped citizens see themselves clearly, calmly, and truthfully.
For in the end, the journalist’s duty is simple yet profound: to bring the news to the people, without ever becoming the news themselves.
Do us proud.
