Media practitioners cautioned against use of inflammatory language

By Franklin ASARE-DONKOH

Umbrella Media Bodies comprising Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), the Ghana Independent Broadcasters Association (GIBA) and the Private Newspapers and Online News Publishers Association of Ghana (PRINPAG), and partners such as the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) and the New Media Association, have cautioned journalists, media practitioners and media organisations to be careful with their utterances.

According to the groups good reportage, refined utterances on airwaves and other broadcasting platforms, will save the country from slipping on to the path of violence with its attendant consequences.

The leadership of groups gave the caution during a joint press conference held yesterday at the International Press Center in Accra.

Presenting a statement on behalf of the entire Media groupings and its partners the President of Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), Mr. Albert Kwabena Dwumfour on the growing spate of breaches of responsible and professional media conduct in the country condemns all unethical and reckless utterances made on the airwaves and on other media platforms by some journalist or media practitioner.

The leadership of the Coalition in one accord therefore, reminded and cautioned all journalists, media practitioners and media organisations to refrain from using inflammatory language on the media space

“The extent to which the three umbrella bodies, that is, the GJA, GIBA and PRINPAG, together with the MFWA and the New Media Association, can defend media freedoms is very much dependent on how professionally and responsibly journalists, media practitioners and media organisations carry out their duties”. They added

Mr. Dwumfour disclosed that over the weekend, their attention was drawn to a disturbing and reckless comments from Mr. Blessed Godsbrain Smart aka ‘Captain Smart’, on an Accra-based Onua TV. “He described as ‘beasts,’ people who would vote for the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the December elections”.

According to the GJA president the severity of his (Captain Smart) utterances and the ethical breach, cannot be taken lightly.

They have therefore, called on the Board and Management of Media General, to take immediate action to mete out appropriate sanctions to Mr. Smart.

This will not only serve as a deterrent to others, but will enhance public confidence in the media organisation, as an organisation that detest unprofessional conduct, he said

Mr. Dwumfour emphasised, that the coalition is resolute in its defense of media freedom and free speech but, cannot overlook unethical behaviour that brings the media profession into disrepute and undermine public trust in the media as an institution.

“In the spirit of those professional codes, this Coalition condemns in no uncertain terms, comments and pronouncements that have the potential to undermine Ghana’s peace and stability as a democracy, and which can negatively affect our collective efforts in protecting and defending media freedoms, as well as freedom of expression in the country”. Portions of the statement read.

The caution Mr. Dwumfour indicated, is not a gag on the right to free expression saying, there are decorous means and avenues for journalists and citizens to express their opinions loud and clear.

“We remain resolute in our defence for media freedom and that requires us to also champion media professionalism,” He reiterated.

More Stories Here