AI must not replace human thinking in journalism – Sam George
The Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, has challenged journalists to uphold professionalism, integrity, and critical thinking in their work amid the growing influence of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the media space.
Speaking at the 8th West Africa Media Excellence Awards (WAMECA 2025) held on Saturday, 11 October, at Alisa Hotel in Accra, he cautioned that while AI can enhance productivity, it must not replace the research, creativity, and intellectual rigour required in journalism.
“AI is not meant to replace the hours of research it takes to produce a journalistic piece. It is not meant to replace human thinking. Unfortunately, many are mortgaging their thinking faculties to artificial intelligence, and it is affecting the quality of work being produced,” he said.
Mr George urged emerging journalists to emulate the commitment and work ethic of veteran professionals who built the foundation of credible journalism in Ghana and across the region. “We cannot go below the standards set by those who came before us. Let that be your reflection tonight,” the Minister added.
The Executive Director of the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA), Mr Sulemana Braimah, announced that the 2025 edition of WAMECA received 793 entries from 600 media organisations across 15 West African countries.
After a rigorous review by a four-member jury, 26 finalists from seven countries were shortlisted, with nine journalists emerging as ultimate winners.
Mr Braimah commended the finalists for demonstrating courage, creativity, and commitment to ethical journalism. He also expressed gratitude to partners including Co-Develop, DW Akademie, OXFAM in Ghana, AfricaNenda Foundation, GCB Bank, and over 50 media organisations across West Africa for supporting the event.
According to him, WAMECA is regarded as the region’s most prestigious journalism award and seeks to promote excellence, integrity, and press freedom in West Africa.
Finalists for WAMECA 2025
- Taiwo Adebulu, The Cable, Nigeria
- Fleur Birba, Sidwaya, Burkina Faso
- Clinton Yeboah, Luv FM / Multimedia, Ghana
- Kunle Adebajo, HumAngle, Nigeria
- Patricia Sia Ngevao, Awoko Publications (SL) Ltd., Sierra Leone
- Kanssouguibe Douti, Laabali, Togo
- Jemilat Abdulrasheed Nasiru, The Cable, Nigeria
- Yaye Awa Niang, Freelancer, Senegal
- Bakare Majeed, Premium Times, Nigeria
- Alfred Koroma, Concord Times Newspaper, Sierra Leone
- Ijeoma Opara, International Centre for Investigative Reporting (ICIR), Nigeria
- Oumarou Rabo, Sidwaya, Burkina Faso
- Pape Bocar Mbow, CESTI TV, Senegal
- Fousseni Saibou, Le Ténor, Togo
- Folashade Ogunrinde, Premium Times, Nigeria
- Mahougnon Angèle Adanle, Bénin WebTV, Benin
- Al’amin Umar, HumAngle, Nigeria
- Pape Ibrahima Ndiaye, La Maison des Reporters, Senegal
- Ibrahim Mansur, The Cable, Nigeria
- Edem Venunye Alley, Le Nouveau Reporter, Togo
- Faruk Umar Shuaibu, Daily Trust, Nigeria
- Daouda Zongo, Wakatsera, Burkina Faso
- Theophilus Adedokun, National Record, Nigeria
- Ndiémé Faye, La Maison des Reporters, Senegal
- Olayide Soaga, Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ), Nigeria
- Abdulrasheed Hammad, Pen Press, Nigeria
