The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has reprimanded, pro National Democratic Congress (NDC) newspaper, The Herald for ‘vain attempts to sow discord among the over 32-million peace-loving people of Ghana’
The Commission also condemns any attempts by sections of the media to misuse the name of ECOWAS through manipulation, partisan positions and veiled incitement to intolerance and violence.
This is after the Commission’s attention was drawn to a sensational article by The Herald tabloid of 21 August 2024 purported to capture ‘a draft statement’ on the findings of its recent Pre-Election Fact-Finding Mission to Ghana under the crudely misleading banner ECOWAS Mission predicts violence at Ghana’s 2024 polls.
The Commission in strong worded statement issueed categorically denounces the tabloid’s dishonest reportage.
“To educate The Herald, ECOWAS pre-electoral Missions do not issue statements on their findings”.
“Besides, reports of such missions are confidential and meant only for the eyes of the President of the Commission to aid his engagements with the authorities in Member States.”
“In this instance, the preliminary report is still undergoing quality control. At no time before, during and after the Fact-Finding Mission has ECOWAS ‘predicted violence’ in the electoral process.”
“The Commission therefore finds it preposterous that The Herald would disingenuously repeat the standard operating procedures of ECOWAS fact-finding missions, twist issues that are in the public domain in Ghana and try to push its partisan conclusions into the mouth of ECOWAS.”
“The ECOWAS Commission rightly holds Ghana in high esteem as a model of maturing democracy and tolerance on the continent and often cites the country for emulation in the region.”
“The ECOWAS Commission reiterates its trust in the resilience of democratic institutions in Ghana”.
” It will continue to accompany the Government and people of Ghana to once again deliver transparent, inclusive and peaceful elections in December 2024.”
Source: www.kumasimail.com
