Scrutiny is not disloyalty – Chief of Staff defends serious journalism at 30th GJA Awards launch

The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) officially launched the 30th GJA Media Awards and introduced its nine-member Awards Committee at the Kempinski Hotel Gold Coast City in Accra on October 7. The launch event attracted high-ranking government officials, diplomats, media executives, and other stakeholders to prepare for the awards ceremony scheduled for November 7, 2026.

The newly appointed Awards Committee, headed by National Media Commission Commissioner and former Daily Graphic Editor Kobby Asmah, will supervise a thorough, transparent, and unbiased evaluation process until October 28, 2026.

During the launch, Chief of Staff Julius Debrah, who served as the Special Guest of Honour, emphasized that critical reporting and rigorous oversight are crucial for national development, even if they may sometimes lead to disagreement over headlines or conclusions. He stressed that disagreement does not equate to hostility and that scrutiny is not disloyalty.

Mr. Debrah further urged state officials to provide timely information and respect press freedom, while challenging journalists to uphold high ethical standards. This includes verifying facts thoroughly, distinguishing opinion from news, and preventing personal reputations from being damaged due to the pursuit of timely publication.

Debrah also addressed the digital transformation of the industry, noting that modern technology has turned mobile phones into powerful newsrooms and broadcast tools, creating opportunities and amplifying previously unheard voices. He called on the GJA to lead training and mentorship initiatives, bridging traditional reporting with digital content creation to foster innovation and maintain ethical standards simultaneously.

"Ghana will need a media that can keep pace with technology without losing sight of the discipline of truth," the Chief of Staff warned, urging journalists to maintain courage, conscience, and fairness while holding public officeholders accountable. As the GJA approaches its significant celebration on November 7, 2026, the message from the capital is clear: while technology is reshaping the newsroom, the enduring pursuit of truth, courage, and accountability remains the ultimate benchmark for Ghanaian journalism.