Many have ascribed the perennial apathy among voters at the grass root to low media coverage. Others have blamed it on the fact that it is not partisan. This has greatly affected turnout at the district elections since its inception in 1988, but Ghana's strife for a more vibrant decentralization in democratic process will be tested again come March 3 when the country goes to the polls to elect district assembly members.
The National Commission for Civic Education, the European Union, faith-based organizations and the Electoral Commission are among other stake holders doing their bid to lure massive turn out this time around. The media is also therefore expected to play a major role in this electoral process. As part of measures to ensure this turn around, the EC has trained some journalists and media practitioners on how they can encourage public participation in the elections.
The Executive Secretary of the National Media Commission, George Sarpong, stressed on the need for journalists to be objective since the electorate feeds on the information they give. He warned against any action that might cause fear and panic before, during and after the elections.
The workshop is among many training programs outlined to prepare the media, the electorate and the candidates before the elections.
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