Connect FM launches Election Command Center

Connect FM, a subsidiary of Media General is poised to ensure its coverage of the December 2024 polls is accurate, reliable, and credible.

This was revealed during the launch of the station’s Election Command Center dubbed “Woso Ka Bi” at Essikadu in the Essikadu Ketan Constituency of the Western Region.

The program which was massively graced by residents of Essikadu and its environs saw the participation of the Western Regional Director of the Electoral Commission of Ghana, Efe Wilson, a member of the Western Regional Peace Council, Mr. Yousif Gyamson, a political and financial analyst with the Ghana Communication Technology University, Dr. Thomas Appiah, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Parliamentary candidate for Essikadu Ketan, Charles Onuawonto Bissue and almost all the assembly members from Essikado Ketan constituency.

Nhyiraba Paa Kwesi Simpson, the host of Connect FM’s Omanbapa Morning Show pledged the station’s commitment to ensuring the election coverage is accurate.

“It is our duty as a station to ensure accurate, credible, and reliable election coverage. We decided to launch the program at Essikadu-Ketan because it is one of the constituencies with the very huge voter population in the Western region. We want to assure all our listeners that Connect FM will not renege on its mandate in ensuing credible election coverage and that, we are making sure our listeners would not miss any single major news relating to the December 7 election”, he indicated.

Dr. Thomas Appiah, a political and financial analyst with the Ghana Communication Technology University indicated that professionalism in election coverage is crucial in the December polls.

“The stakes are high in this election. While the NPP is seeking to break the eight, the NDC is campaigning to return to power. All political parties involved in the election want to emerge victorious. However, there could only be one winner after the close of polls. Elections have generally been peaceful in Ghana, and we hope 2024 will not be an exception. However, for a party to accept the outcome of the election peacefully will largely depend on the credibility of the election. Citizens, Media, the electoral commission, and politicians have roles to play in the election. I will urge all to execute their responsibilities professionally to ensure peaceful elections”, he indicated.

Efe Wilson, Western Region Director of the Electoral Commission of Ghana on her part urged the media not to indulge in disinformation and misinformation

“The media plays a vital role in all election activities of the commission. We are all Ghanaians from the same family. Preaching peaceful elections is the duty of everyone. The commission believes in transparency, fair play, and level playing grounds for all. The media can inform, dis-inform, and misinform. Intentionally spreading information to discredit the commission must be avoided by all”, she indicated.

A representative from the Ghana Peace Council, Mr. Yousif Jamson called on political party leaders and their followers to avoid beating the war drums when campaigning for votes.

“The election is about expression of opinions and chaos should be out. I will urge politicians and their followers to make peace lead, preaching war will only destabilize the country. People who have been mandated by the electoral commission to supervise the election and security agencies must ensure professionalism in the execution of their duties. To electorates, cast your votes, go home, and return in the evening if you want to witness the counting”, he added.

Charles Onuawonto Bissue, Parliamentary Candidate for the NPP in Essikadu Katan Constituency advised his followers to run a clean campaign devoid of attacks and insults.

NDC Parliamentary candidate for Essikadu Ketan, Dr. Grace Ayensu Danquah could not honor the invitation sent to her because she was not within the jurisdiction at the time