Professor Elvis Asare-Bediako, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Energy and Natural Resources (UENR), has urged journalists to prioritize integrity over sensationalism. Speaking at the fourth edition of the Bono Regional branch of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) Awards ceremony in Sunyani, he emphasized the importance of verifying facts before publishing. This, he believes, is crucial for maintaining credibility and serving the public interest.
The awards ceremony, themed “Ethics, Integrity and Impactful Journalism: Essential ingredients for societal transformation,” honored nine deserving media practitioners and journalists for their contributions to the profession. Prof Asare-Bediako challenged the media to assess the reliability of their sources and determine whether stories served the public interest. He also stressed the need for journalists to weigh every word and verify every fact before going to press.
Prof Asare-Bediako cautioned the media against the temptation of allowing pressure for speed or popularity to compromise standards. He noted that credibility was more valuable than momentary applause and urged journalists to resist publishing unverified claims, even when they appeared attractive or newsworthy. This, he believes, is essential for protecting the dignity of individuals and ensuring fairness and balance in reporting.
The Vice Chancellor emphasized that responsible journalism required a commitment to truth and a willingness to acknowledge and correct mistakes. He called for stronger collaboration between academia and the media, saying that research provided evidence while journalism helped translate and amplify that evidence for public discourse. This collaboration, he believes, could contribute to building a more informed, empowered, and resilient society.
Prof Asare-Bediako noted that societal transformation was not achieved through policies alone but was nurtured through ideas, dialogue, and the courage to confront uncomfortable truths. He reminded the media that their responsibility extended beyond informing the public to shape the moral compass of society. The Vice Chancellor expressed his hope that a deepened collaboration between the media and academia could lead to positive change.
The GJA Awards ceremony recognized the contributions of journalists and media practitioners to the growth and development of the profession. The event brought together stakeholders in the media industry to reflect on the importance of ethics and integrity in journalism. Prof Asare-Bediako's address served as a reminder of the critical role journalists play in shaping public discourse and promoting societal transformation.
The Vice Chancellor concluded by emphasizing that when ethics guided journalists' work and integrity anchored their voices, journalism could become a force for leadership and a true societal transformation. The event provided a platform for stakeholders to engage with issues critical to the media industry and to celebrate the achievements of outstanding journalists and media practitioners.
Key points
- Prof Asare-Bediako urges journalists to prioritize integrity over sensationalism.
- The media is cautioned against compromising standards for speed or popularity.
- The Vice Chancellor calls for stronger collaboration between academia and the media.
