Kumasi: Journalists and media practitioners have been urged to uphold fairness, transparency, and professionalism in their reportage to strengthen public trust in the media. Mr. Bright Blewu, a former General Secretary of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), emphasized the critical role of the media in national development, urging a commitment to truth, accuracy, and balanced reporting at all times.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr. Blewu, speaking in an interview in Kumasi, noted that the increasing spread of misinformation and sensationalism in some sections of the media posed a threat to ethical journalism and the country's democratic growth. He highlighted that journalists serve as watchdogs of society and must avoid practices that could damage the credibility and integrity of the profession. "They must check, check and check again," he stressed.
He explained that fairness and transparency in reportage were essential for promoting accountability, peace, and responsible public discourse. Mr. Blewu further encouraged media practitioners to resist political manipulation and external influences that could compromise their professional duties and instead focus on issues promoting national unity and development.
Touching on press freedom, he observed that although Ghana continues to enjoy a relatively vibrant media landscape, media freedom also comes with responsibility and ethical obligations. He called on media organizations to invest in continuous training and capacity building for journalists to enhance professional standards in the industry.
Mr. Blewu noted that World Press Freedom Day, marked annually in May, aims at promoting press freedom and ensuring the safety of journalists worldwide. He also appealed to the government and media house owners to prioritize the welfare of journalists by ensuring prompt payment of fair salaries and allowances to motivate professionalism and independence.