The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) in partnership with Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC) is to start a new television debate programme dubbed: “The Case of the Manifesto.”

The programme would be aired on Monday November 5 on GTV.

The programme which would be hosted in Studio Two at GBC would feature spokespersons and representatives of the eight political parties vying for the parliamentary and presidential leaderships of the country in the December elections.

Mr Affail Monney, Vice-President, GJA who announced this in Accra said the programme would be aired within the four Mondays in November and would allow various representatives to speak on four thematic areas of Education, Health, Food Security and Energy that include the oil and gas sector.

He explained that the programmes was one of the interventions of the GJA “Using the Media to Enhance the Transparency and credibility of the 2012 Elections” project being facilitated by KAB Governance Consult and financed by STAR-Ghana.

The GJA Vice-President said since Article 162 (5) of the Constitution enjoins the Ghanaian media to demand accountability from public office holders, the Association believes that the media needed to subject the manifestos of the political parties to critical interrogation.

That, he said would help the Ghanaian electorate to make informed choices.

“Such exercise will help to further deepened democracy by promoting issue-based campaigns.”

He said the debate would be broadcast from 1000 hours and 1200 hours every Monday and would be telecasted on November 5, 12, 19 and 26, while the topics on education, energy, food security and health would be discussed on the listed days.

The debate will be rebroadcasted during the peak hours within the week of broadcast and other media houses are invited to provide coverage.

Mr Kabral Blay Amihere, Chairman, National Media Commission who launched the programme reminded the media of their historic roles in ensuring free, fair and peaceful elections.

He asked the media houses, including the private media to be guided by their moral obligations to give fair coverage to all political parties to ensure equity and accurate reportage.

Mr Akwasi Afriyie Badu, Chief Executive Officer, KAB Governance Consult said the programme was initiated and carried out during the 2004 election year and it is being continued because of the effective impact it could have on electioneering.

He also reiterated the point that journalists should provide a level-playing field for all participating candidates in the elections.