GJA must demand accountability from journalists — Kwesi Pratt

The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) has called for journalists to maintain high professional standards and be held accountable to restore public trust. At the GJA's 77th Anniversary Symposium, veteran journalist Kwesi Pratt Jnr urged the association to address the rapid digital transformation and reconnect journalism with society.

Pratt highlighted the spread of misinformation due to journalists' failure to verify information and the influence of digital media. At the symposium, five reconstituted committees of the GJA were inaugurated, including the Membership Vetting Committee, Professional Development Committee, Social Affairs Committee, International Relations Committee, and Finance and Resource Mobilisation Committee.

Pratt emphasized that journalists need to question, verify, and challenge information generated by artificial intelligence (AI) technology. He criticized media organizations that prioritize social media followers over professional journalism qualifications and expressed concern over the media's focus on state officials, corporate executives, and institutional authorities.

Pratt stressed the importance of media economics, warning that ignoring the working conditions of journalists undermines their ability to practice fearless journalism. GJA President Albert Kwabena Dwumfour commended the association's founders and past executives while urging media organizations to develop clear editorial policies on AI and invest in journalists' professional development.

He also appealed to government institutions and corporate organizations for support and urged them to respect the media's role. The Minister of Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, highlighted the media's role in advancing government policies and democratic governance, urging media to uphold ethical standards and pledging government support for its partnership with the media.