The Chief of Staff, Mr. Julius Debrah, has emphasized the importance of accuracy, fairness, and professional ethics in journalism. He made this call in Accra on Wednesday during the launch of the 30th Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) Media Awards and the inauguration of a nine-member awards committee. Mr. Debrah stressed that journalists must verify information before publication, distinguish facts from allegations, respect privacy and human dignity, declare conflicts of interest, and openly correct errors.
Mr. Debrah highlighted the critical role of the media in Ghana's democracy, urging practitioners not to compromise national peace or individuals' rights and reputation in the pursuit of publishing first. He noted that while disagreement with a headline or conclusion is not hostility, scrutiny is not disloyalty. The Chief of Staff also acknowledged the rise of digital media, which has expanded opportunities for journalism and enabled young people to create and disseminate content without traditional newsroom affiliation.
The Chief of Staff called on the GJA to deepen training, mentorship, and engagement with digital content creators to ensure that innovation and professional ethics advance together. He urged the awards committee, chaired by former Graphic Communications Group Editor, Kobby Asmah, to work with fairness, independence, and clear standards in selecting award winners. The awards should recognize journalism that is accurate, courageous, original, innovative, and useful to the public.
The Minister in charge of Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, expressed the Government's commitment to protecting journalists and deepening the frontiers of free speech. He condemned the recent alleged assault of journalists during a demolition exercise at La Pleasure Beach, assuring that the Government would pursue the matter to its logical conclusion.
Minority Leader of Parliament, Osahen Alexander Afenyo-Markin, urged journalists to strengthen investigative reporting and pursue issues of public interest. He emphasized that the media has a greater responsibility to seek answers when parliamentary oversight is constrained, urging journalists to maintain absolute focus on the facts and demand accountability.
GJA President, Albert Kwabena Dwumfour, stated that the awards aimed to recognize journalism that informs public debate, holds power to account, exposes wrongdoing, and contributes to national development. He expressed concern about recent attacks on journalists allegedly by Ghana Armed Forces personnel and demanded action on the matter within two weeks.
The 30th GJA Media Awards will take place on November 7, 2026, in Accra, with President John Dramani Mahama as the Special Guest of Honour and keynote speaker. The Speaker of Parliament and Chief Justice are also expected to attend. This year, the GJA received 327 entries from 206 journalists for the awards.
Key points
- The Chief of Staff emphasized the importance of accuracy, fairness, and professional ethics in journalism.
- The Government is committed to protecting journalists and deepening the frontiers of free speech.
- The 30th GJA Media Awards will recognize journalism that informs public debate, holds power to account, and contributes to national development.
