Know when to wait, verify and publish – GJA President tells journalist

Albert Kwabena Dwumfour, President of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), has emphasized the importance of accuracy and verification in journalism over speed. In his address at the GJA’s 77th anniversary symposium and lecture, he cautioned journalists against rushing to publish stories that might compromise the truth due to a desire to be the first.

Mr Dwumfour noted that true bravery in journalism occasionally involves patiently waiting for all facts to be established before publishing. He argued that measuring success should not be based on the number of viewers but on the reliability of the content. The GJA President also cautioned against equating influence with social media followers, urging journalists to prioritize the truth over popularity.

He stressed that the quality of journalism should be judged by how meticulously it is verified, not by its speed. Looking to the future, Dwumfour reiterated that the GJA would continue its legacy but recognized that the entire media ecosystem, including stakeholders such as media owners, government bodies, and the public, must invest in and support the profession.

He called for increased investment in the development and welfare of journalists, as well as the continuous improvement of journalistic skills. Additionally, he urged government institutions to respect the media's role and businesses to back credible journalism. Lastly, Dwumfour emphasized that building a robust media industry requires collective responsibility, with everyone recognizing the importance of accurate and reliable information and taking a shared commitment to its preservation for the public interest.