The Chairman of the National Media Commission, Yaw Boadu-Ayeboafoh has admonished journalists not to be praise singers but must uphold professionalism at all times.
Mr Boadu-Ayeboafoh who was speaking at the GJA Media Convention 2020 for Center “E” at Wa equally underscored the necessity for journalists not to belittle themselves for any consideration but must abide by the truth that builds a better society.
GBC’s Emmanuel Mensah-Abludo reports that Center “E” is a geographical configuration made up of Upper West, Savannah and Bono East Regions.
Mr Boadu-Ayeboafoh who was the lead speaker and discussant at the event tasked the media to assert their professional integrity.
He said: “The media must not be perceived as pawns in the hands of any group, benign or malignant. Journalists must not and cannot be subordinated nor should journalists see themselves in the shadows of others. The moment they do that, they lose the essence of their effectiveness. They must be committed and objective by ensuring that reports are factual, accurate, valid and verifiable. It is only when these principles are upheld that the media become credible,” Mr Boadu-Ayeboafoh cautioned journalists, saying, “Do not let us belittle ourselves”.
He stated, “this is the time that we have to change and ensure that we are what we are because of who we are, and not because of somebody.”
The Vice President of Ghana Journalists Association, (GJA), Mrs Linda Asante Adjei described the partnership between the US Embassy and GJA as a vehicle for promoting civility in the coverage of elections in Ghana.
She said: “The Ghanaian Media has professional, ethical, constitutional, moral and Godly responsibilities to also help to defuse the tensions and shape the complexion of electioneering and also influence the electorates to make intelligent decisions at the polls.
“As journalists, we should also help promote issue-based coverage and discussions and endeavor to also subject manifestoes and programs of the various political parties to thorough analysis as wells discussions for the benefit of the electorates.”
The US Ambassador to Ghana, Mrs Staphanie S. Sullivan in a video comment observed that the U.S. Embassy has partnered the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) in a number of initiatives adding that they have sponsored GJA conventions ahead of the past three general elections.
“An independent media committed to responsible, fact-based journalism is a key pillar for democracies. With a free and responsible press, citizens are more informed to provide input into decision-making, and can better hold their political leaders accountable,” she affirmed.
Ambassador Sullivan emphasized that “a free and responsible press” is the fulcrum of democracy.
She was grateful to the GJA President, Roland Affail Monney and his executives for their collaboration with U.S. Embassy at the national and regional levels on several initiatives, saying the relationship with GJA has grown from strength to strength.
Mrs Sullivan equally acknowledged the “great contributions” of the U.S. Embassy’s Public Affairs team as well as its Information Officer, Naomi Mattos.
The Upper West Regional Director of the Electoral Commission (EC), Ali Osman called for the needed cooperation from all stakeholders to ensure success in the December 2020 election.
The Upper West Regional Chairman of the National Peace Council (NPC), Rev. Dr Aloysius Nuolabong and the Paramount Chief of Busa, Naa Ali Seidu Pelpuo Yelmaana were co-chairmen at the function.
The focus of the Convention which was sponsored by the US Embassy was “The 2020 Election-The Role of the Media in Promoting Civility and Discernment in the Political discourse”.
Story filed by Emmanuel Mensah-Abludo.
