{
  "id": 2150852,
  "title": "NCA Director-General urges journalists to protect public trust in digital era",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/20/nca-director-general-urges-journalists-to-protect-public-trust-in",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-20T14:07:08.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "MyJoyOnline Ghana",
    "slug": "myjoyonline-ghana",
    "url": "https://www.myjoyonline.com/nca-director-general-urges-journalists-to-protect-public-trust-in-digital-era/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Director-General of the National Communications Authority (NCA), Rev. Ing. Edmund Yirenkyi Fianko, has urged journalists and media practitioners to maintain professional standards as digitalization continues to transform the media industry. He emphasized the importance of accuracy, fairness, accountability, and rigorous verification in journalism, in order to preserve public trust in an increasingly digital information environment. Fianko made this appeal at the Ghana Journalists Association's (GJA) 77th Anniversary Symposium, which took place at the British Council in Accra and focused on the theme, \"Building on Our Legacy: Advancing Ethical Journalism and Shaping the Future of Digital Media.\"\n\nFianko noted that while the platforms, technologies, and business models for news production and consumption would continue to evolve, the core responsibility of journalism to serve the public would remain constant. He emphasized that the public would always demand accurate, fair, and responsibly presented information, regardless of technological changes. The NCA's role within the digital media ecosystem includes supporting the electronic communications infrastructure that facilitates the growth of digital media. This encompasses spectrum management, authorizing communications services, improving connectivity, and protecting consumers. Fianko stressed that bridging the digital divide is crucial for inclusion, civic participation, and democratic life, particularly for journalists working in rural communities.\n\nAddressing concerns over poor service quality such as dropped calls, slow internet speeds, and inadequate network coverage in some communities, Fianko explained that the NCA is collaborating with mobile network operators to resolve these issues. Measures include increasing capacity at existing network sites and constructing additional sites to improve coverage and service quality. The NCA plans to construct over 500 new sites in 2026 and upgrade several existing sites. Fianko assured the public that the NCA will monitor the implementation of these interventions and ensure mobile network operators fulfill their obligations.\n\nFianko reaffirmed the NCA's commitment to upholding the constitutional importance of media freedom and freedom of expression. He clarified that while the NCA regulates electronic communications infrastructure, editorial regulation of journalism falls under the National Media Commission (NMC) mandate. The NCA's interventions will be guided by the law, transparency, and respect for the distinct responsibilities of institutions within Ghana's democratic system. Fianko commended the GJA leadership and membership for their contributions to journalism and Ghana's democratic governance. He encouraged media professionals to embrace technological innovation while firmly adhering to ethical principles that foster public confidence in journalism.",
  "summary": "The Director-General of the National Communications Authority (NCA), Rev. Ing. Edmund Yirenkyi Fianko, has called on journalists and media practitioners to uphold professional standards as rapid digitalisation continues to reshape the media industry.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}