The University of Media, Arts and Communication's Directorate of Research, Innovation, and Development is hosting a public forum on "The Election Dividend: Threats to Democracy, the Role of Communication, and Reinventing Civic Responsibility" on November 22, 2024, at 10:00 AM via Zoom.

This timely discussion comes as Ghana prepares for its next general elections in December this year.

According to Prof. Etse Sikanku, Director of the Directorate of Research, Innovation, and Development of the University, "The media remains indispensable to democracy. A great democracy is not just predicated on free and fair elections but also on the ability of the media to provide accurate, objective, and adequate information for citizens to make informed decisions."

He underscored the need for civil discourse during election seasons, stating that "words can make or break a nation" and highlighting the importance of educating the public and stakeholders on responsible communication.

The forum features esteemed speakers, including Dr Osae-Kwapong, Project Director of the Democracy Project; Dr Lawrencia Agyepong, Director of the Center for International Relations at UniMAC; Dr Paul Herzuah, Lecturer at UniMAC's Faculty of Journalism and Media Studies; and Mr Erastus Asare Donkor, Assisting News Editor and Broadcast Journalist at the Multimedia Group Limited.

Key takeaways from the discussion are expected to include strategies for promoting civic responsibility, enhancing communication during elections, and fostering a culture of democratic values.