Criticism Against Journalists Who Venture Into Politics Alarming — Umaru Sanda

Umaru Sanda Amadu, a media professional and broadcast journalist with Citi FM and Channel One TV, has expressed his concern over the heavy criticism faced by journalists who transition into politics. Speaking at an event organized by the US Embassy Ghana's American Space, Sanda highlighted that professionals from various fields enter politics after years of service, often praised for their courage, yet journalists who do the same are met with harsh criticism.

"A lawyer becomes a politician; there is nothing wrong with it. A carpenter becomes a politician and many hail him," he remarked. "A journalist becomes a politician and you are complaining. I don’t think that is fair to journalism," he said, emphasizing that journalism is a personal choice. Sanda further added, "If I decide to run for Member of Parliament, it is because I am convinced that the ideas I have can now be put into action.

What’s wrong with that? I don’t think there is any problem with that. I don’t think we should criminalise journalists who want to pursue political positions." The event, themed "Freedom 250: How United States Exchange Alumni are Shaping Journalism," featured other distinguished speakers such as Cecil Nii Obodai Wentum, Alfred Ocansey, and Doreen Ampofo, the Chief Editor of Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC).

Obodai Wentum, now the Acting Public Affairs Director of the Ghana Highway Authority, addressed the declining ethics in journalism due to the rise of digital media, particularly social media, advocating for an exchange programme where traditional and new media can collaborate.