- Ghanaian media practitioners cautioned against inflammatory language.
- Umbrella Media Bodies emphasize responsible media conduct.
- Journalist's reckless comments spark condemnation.
- Media bodies defend freedom, promote responsible conduct.
The Umbrella Media Bodies in Ghana, comprising the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), the Ghana Independent Broadcasters Association (GIBA), and the Private Newspapers and Online News Publishers Association of Ghana (PRINPAG), have cautioned media practitioners against using inflammatory language.
The caution was given during a joint press conference held at the International Press Center in Accra, where the leadership of the groups emphasized the need for responsible and professional media conduct. The President of the GJA, Mr. Albert Kwabena Dwumfour, presented a statement on behalf of the entire Media groupings and its partners, condemning unethical and reckless utterances made on the airwaves and other media platforms.
He emphasized that the extent to which the media bodies can defend media freedoms is dependent on how professionally and responsibly journalists and media practitioners carry out their duties. The leadership of the Coalition reminded and cautioned all journalists, media practitioners, and media organizations to refrain from using inflammatory language on the media space.
They cited a recent incident where a journalist, Mr. Blessed Godsbrain Smart, aka ‘Captain Smart’, made reckless comments on an Accra-based Onua TV, describing people who would vote for the New Patriotic Party (NPP) as ‘beasts’. The GJA president condemned the severity of the utterances and called on the Board and Management of Media General to take immediate action to mete out appropriate sanctions to Mr. Smart.
The coalition emphasized that they are resolute in their defense of media freedom and free speech but cannot overlook unethical behavior that brings the media profession into disrepute and undermines public trust in the media.
They reiterated that the caution is not a gag on the right to free expression, but rather a call for decorous means and avenues for journalists and citizens to express their opinions. The Umbrella Media Bodies and their partners remain committed to championing media professionalism and defending media freedom, while promoting responsible and ethical media conduct.
