Ho, Jan. 23, GNA - Speakers at a workshop on the role of the media in promoting interfaith, religious and culture diversities in Ghana has commended the media for the professional manner they covered the 2008 election. Mr Thaddeus Nwabueze Ezeah, Director, Centre for Conflict Resolution and Peace Advocacy of Nigeria, said the media were largely balanced, fair and objective in their coverage of the election to the admiration of many.

Mr Ezeah was delivering a paper on the role of the media in addressing interfaith conflict and promoting religious and culture diversities in Ghana at a three-day workshop in Ho on Thursday. He said the constant flow of information on politicians, political parties and the Electoral Commission coupled with objective analyses and constructive criticisms helped clear doubts in the minds of the public leading to a credible election. Mr Ezeah said despite few lapses, the media had raised the standard of election coverage in West Africa, a legacy other countries must pick up. "The way the media protected the will of the people is a clear indication that the country is now matured in democracy which other countries must learn," he said. He appealed to media practitioners and media related institutions to maintain the high standard to ensure accelerated development of the country by giving attention to issues of development and peace. Mr Ezeah urged the government and media owners to pay competitive salaries and attractive conditions of service to media practitioners to motivate them to aspire to higher professional standards. Monsignor Anthony Kornu, Vicar General of the Ho Diocese of the Catholic Church, said the numerous talk shows and other educative programmes helped to diffuse tension and commended the media for helping sustain peace in the country.

He said there were less sensational stories in the election period and urged the media to keep it up. Monsignor Kornu praised Metro Television for giving priority to the coverage of the election and said "those who are not doing well should back up lest they become professional rumour mongers who foment confusion."

Togbe Kwame Akoto V, Divisional Chief of Tanyigbe and President of ROCAS, urged the media to learn more about African culture so that they could appreciate its good aspects and promote acculturation.