Asiedu Nketiah urges journalists to resist political pressure

Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, the National Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), urged journalists to resist political pressure and maintain professional independence when reporting. Speaking at the 4th Bono Regional GJA Awards in Sunyani, he emphasized that journalists should give politicians a fair hearing but should ultimately rely on evidence and verified information.

Nketiah acknowledged that politicians might have differing views on how the media portrays their activities, with governments desiring more attention for their achievements and opposition parties seeking increased scrutiny. However, he firmly stated that the complaint of a politician should not become the basis for determining the fairness of a journalist's report.

Nketiah stressed the importance of distinguishing between verified information and allegations, urging journalists to accurately report completed projects and investigate failed ones. He cautioned journalists against presenting unverified claims as established facts simply because they generate public interest. Nketiah emphasized that the credibility of journalists and media organizations largely depends on public trust, warning that once that trust is lost, restoring confidence in the media could prove difficult.

He also highlighted the rapid changes in the media landscape, particularly the growing influence of social media and the emergence of artificial intelligence, which have further complicated the information environment. Nketiah stressed that professional journalism remains crucial, as journalists have the responsibility to establish facts and determine what actually happened.

He called for improved working conditions for journalists, arguing that media organizations must be adequately resourced to retain competent professionals, conduct investigations, and maintain effective regional newsrooms. Nketiah encouraged journalists to safeguard their professional reputations throughout their careers.