President of Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), Dr Roland Affail Monney, has underscored the need for journalists to be circumspect and God-fearing in their reportage, especially in the election year. He made this call during a church service held in his honour for championing the cause of responsible journalism practice.
Addressing the EndTime Revival Centre Assemblies of God Ghana congregation on Sunday, February 23 in Accra, Dr Monney said “words are powerful such that the most powerful weapons on earth are not AK 47, not atomic bombs, but the media.”
He charged journalists to adopt professionalism in reporting, especially during elections stating that “it is time for us to use the power we wield and the influence we peddle as journalists to help build this nation, and not destroy it because if we dare rock the boat or endanger our stability, a disaster of unthinkable consequences will befall the nation.”
The End Time Revival Centre AG church, Adenta held a mega church service to honour Dr Rowland Affail Monney for his contribution to the church and to the sustenance of peace in the nation.
In a sermon titled “So Let Your Light Shine,” the Lead Pastor of the church, Reverend Dr Francis Nyarko noted: “God in his wisdom instituted authority on earth, whether spiritual, political or social, everyone in a place of authority is there because God has assigned him or her there as his representative. So God will one day call them to account for how they lived their lives.”
He reminded the congregants that leadership is not just about position or having material things or power, but it is service. Rev. Dr. Francis Nyarko called on the congregants to live an exemplary life in every position they find themselves. He prayed for the nation and the executives of the GJA, who were all present to witness the ceremony.
Dr Affail Monney was presented with a citation, signed by Reverend Dr Francis Nyarko.
“For over three decades, you have contributed meritoriously to the development and growth of Journalism in Ghana and beyond and consistently performed these demanding duties in a highly professional manner,” the citation read.
“You championed the cause of responsible journalism practice, high sense of professionalism and uphold the highest level of ethics…… You have served the Lord with gladness, tirelessly, faithfully and with great compassion for his flock as the longest-serving church deacon at the End-Time Revival Centre Assemblies of God, Ghana,” it added.
Born in 1956, Dr. Roland Affail Monney found himself in the media specifically the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation in the 1980s on completion of his diploma in journalism from the Ghana Institute of Journalism. He rose through the ranks to become the Director of Radio, Ghana Broadcasting Corporation. He holds a post-graduate degree in communications from the School of Communications at the University of Ghana, Legon.
Over the years, Dr. Monney has reported on crime, politics, juvenile trials, oil and gas and among others. He consulted for the World Bank, the Ghana AIDS Commission, and the United Nations Children’s Fund among others in various capacities to help deepen Journalism in the country.
Dr Monney has championed the course for responsible journalistic practices, professionalism, and ethics. He has been the vice president of the Ghana Journalists Association and currently the president of the body.
Story by Franklin Agbenyo
