Chief of Staff urges journalists to uphold accuracy, fairness

Chief of Staff Julius Debrah has emphasized the importance of accuracy, fairness, and ethical conduct for journalists in Ghana. He urged them to verify information before publishing, differentiate facts from allegations, respect privacy and human dignity, declare conflicts of interest, and correct errors promptly. Debrah made these remarks during the launch of the 30th Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) Media Awards in Accra, where he also inaugurated a nine-member awards committee.

He stressed that the media plays a vital role in Ghana's democracy and cautioned against compromising national peace or individuals' rights and reputation in the pursuit to be the first to publish. Debrah highlighted the expansion of opportunities in journalism due to the rise of digital media, encouraging the GJA to enhance training, mentorship, and engagement with digital content creators to combine innovation with professional ethics.

The GJA's nine-member awards committee, led by Kobby Asmah, is tasked with selecting winners based on fairness, independence, and clear standards for journalism that is accurate, courageous, original, innovative, and beneficial to the public. Government Communications Minister Felix Kwakye Ofosu pledged the government's commitment to protecting journalists and advancing free speech, condemning an alleged assault on journalists during a La Pleasure Beach demolition exercise.

Minority Leader of Parliament Osahen Alexander Afenyo-Markin called for stronger investigative reporting and pursuit of issues of public interest, urging journalists to maintain a focus on facts and demand accountability. GJA President Albert Kwabena Dwumfour expressed concern over recent attacks on journalists allegedly by the Ghana Armed Forces and demanded action within two weeks.

The 30th GJA Media Awards, scheduled for November 7, 2026, will be presided over by President John Dramani Mahama.