'Elections are human rights events' - CDD-Ghana senior program officer

He explained that while many people think of elections as an event for the political actors that participate in them, it is pretty much a human rights one that touches on the very needs and concerns of the public.

Speaking during a CDD-Ghana media training on electoral reforms at Tema, on Monday, April 22, 2024, Michael Akagbor stressed that “Human rights must be central to elections in the country.

On that, he explained that “Language is a powerful tool for violence,” urging the media to be circumspect and ensure that in its communication on electoral matters, it does not rather incite acts of violence.

It aimed at building the capacities of journalists on electoral reforms, as the country heads into a crucial national election period in December 2024.

A notable factor that has shaped election processes and outcomes in Ghana is the adoption and implementation of electoral reforms.

Over the past three decades, incremental implementation of electoral reforms has contributed significantly to improving transparency, accountability and integrity of polls and suppressed violence tendencies.

“Notwithstanding, a number of proposed reforms are required for ensuring the peacefulness and credibility of the processes before, during and after the 2024 general elections.