Abstract:

The study investigated the media in the generation of electoral conflict behaviours among voters in the Western North Region, Ghana. It sought to ascertain how the media generate electoral conflict behaviors among voters in the Western North Region and to suggest ways of minimizing such conflicts. The mixed research design was used in the study. Questionnaires and interview guides were used to collect data for the study. The study revealed that the media are to blame for generating conflicts among voters in the Western North Region through the promotion of ‘hate-speech’, biasness and false reportage, mudslinging, improper checking of facts, encouragement, and usage of unsavory language, as well as unprofessional conduct of some journalists. It was also revealed that respect and adherence to media ethics, the establishment of media watchdog committees, avoidance of biased reportage, provision of effective security before, during, and after elections, as well as discouragement of hate speech and avoidance of incessant verbal attacks, could prevent electoral conflicts generated by media in the Region. The study recommended that media owners, especially television and radio owners, should develop the capacities of their journalists to ensure that they fact-check their stories before publishing so as to reduce political tensions and tackle hate speech in the Region before, during, and after elections. Ethical journalism is encouraged.

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