Maintain integrity and fairness, Prez tells journalists
PRESIDENT Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has called on journalists in Ghana to maintain “integrity and fairness” in their reporting as the country prepares for the December 2024 general elections.
Speaking at the 28th Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) Media Awards in Accra, the President stressed the critical role of the media in safeguarding democracy by ensuring accurate and truthful reporting, particularly in the face of rising misinformation and disinformation.
The President urged media practitioners to be vigilant, urging them to remain “the gatekeepers of truth” in order to help citizens make informed decisions. He emphasized that the evolving media landscape, marked by the rapid spread of information through social media, requires journalists to adapt while upholding core principles of truth, fairness, impartiality, and objectivity.
“While technology is democratising information, it has also created new vulnerabilities,” President Akufo-Addo said. “In the age of social media, where information travels faster than ever, journalists must rise to the occasion by ensuring that fact prevails over falsehood.
“We cannot allow ourselves to be swept away by sensationalism or click-bait journalism. The role of the journalist is to provide clarity, not confusion; to inform, not inflame.”
He underscored the essential role of a vibrant media in democratic governance, warning against the dangers of sensationalism. The President acknowledged that in an era where anyone can become a “potential news source” through social media, the responsibility of professional journalists has never been more important. He encouraged them to remain committed to the ethics of responsible journalism.
The event, which marked the climax of the year-long celebration of the GJA’s 75th anniversary, was themed “75 Years of Excellence in Journalism: The Role of the Media in Democratic Governance and Elections.”
Prioritizing Journalist Safety and Combating Misinformation
President Akufo-Addo reiterated his administration’s commitment to ensuring the safety of journalists, emphasizing that “those who attack the media, attack democracy itself.” He also condemned past and present publications aimed at tarnishing his reputation and that of his administration as “baseless and unfounded,” expressing his confidence in the ability of the Ghanaian public to discern truth from falsehood.
“As the Fourth Estate, the media have been instrumental in promoting the principles of transparency, accountability, and participation, which are the pillars of a strong democracy. Your role in combating misinformation and disinformation is crucial not only in protecting the reputations of individuals but also in safeguarding the integrity of our democracy,” the President added.
Honoring Excellence in Journalism
The awards ceremony celebrated excellence in Ghanaian journalism, with Mr. Edward Adeti of Media Without Borders being named the P. A. V. Ansah Journalist of the Year. He also received the award for Best Reporter in Investigative Journalism. Other notable awardees included Mr. Edward Acquah of the Ghana News Agency, who was honored as the GJA/Komla Dumor Most Promising Journalist of the Year, and Ms. Beatrice Senadju from GBC, who was recognized as the Best Female Journalist of the Year and Best Television Feature Reporter.
Mr. Clinton Yeboah from Multimedia was named Best Student Journalist of the Year, while Mr. Seth Bokpe from The Fourth Estate received the Akoto Ampaw Award for Democracy and Good Governance.
Calls for support for press freedom
The Minister for Information, Madam Fatimatu Abubakar, also spoke at the event, urging the media to remain impartial in their coverage of the upcoming 2024 general elections. She praised the government’s efforts in promoting press freedom and reiterated its commitment to creating a “safe environment” for media professionals, while continuing to support capacity-building programs for journalists.
Naa Prof. Edmund Nminyem Dele Chirr VII, the Paramount Chief of the Nandom Traditional Area and Chairman of the event, highlighted the vital role of journalists in promoting democracy and urged the public to support press freedom in Ghana.
GJA President, Mr. Albert Kwabena Dwumfour, congratulated the award winners and encouraged political actors to establish proper channels for addressing grievances related to media coverage.
He also called on the government to provide more resources to state-owned media institutions, enabling them to better fulfill their responsibilities. The event not only celebrated the achievements of journalists but also highlighted the continued need for ethical, responsible, and impartial journalism as Ghana heads into a crucial election season.
