By Kwame Bediako
The President of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), Albert Kwabena Dwumfour, has expressed profound concern over the tragic incident in Obuasi that resulted in the loss of nine lives.
His remarks came in the wake of escalating violence among the youth in the region, which he labeled as an unacceptable affront to the progress of Ghana’s democracy. Dwumfour emphasised that such actions undermine the very fabric of society and threaten the stability of the nation.
Dwumfour’s statement highlighted the importance of responsible media practices in shaping public perceptions and behaviors. He noted that while it is challenging to directly link the content of a controversial video to the violent actions in Obuasi, the nature of the video itself was deeply troubling. He described it as “vile, repugnant, malicious, outrageous, and lawless,” urging media outlets to refrain from promoting such harmful content that could incite further unrest.
The GJA President called for a collective effort among journalists and media professionals to uphold ethical standards in reporting. He stressed that the media has a crucial role in fostering peace and understanding within communities, particularly in times of crisis.
In his speech, Dwumfour reaffirmed the GJA’s commitment to defending media freedom while simultaneously denouncing media irresponsibility. He urged his colleagues in the industry to remain vigilant against sensationalism and to prioritise the dissemination of accurate and constructive information.
“Colleagues, our resolve to defending media freedom is unflinching, and we remain steadfast in our quest to denouncing media irresponsibility.”
This approach, he argued, is essential for nurturing a well-informed public that can engage in meaningful dialogue about pressing societal issues.
