The Minority Leader in Parliament, Osahen Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin, has called on journalists and media practitioners to place a higher premium on accuracy, context, and truth in news reporting, rather than the pursuit of speed and sensationalism.
Speaking at the Ghana Journalists Association’s World Press Freedom Day commemoration and honours night for veteran journalists, Afenyo-Markin said the media’s influence in shaping public opinion and strengthening democracy comes with a duty of responsibility and care in information dissemination.
He urged journalists to resist the pressure of breaking news culture that sometimes sacrifices verification, stressing that credibility must remain the cornerstone of journalism practice.
“It is not enough to be first; one must be right. It is not enough to attract attention; one must earn trust,” he said, adding that responsible journalism is essential to safeguarding peace, democracy and national cohesion.
He further called on media practitioners to “choose truth over speed, facts over fear, and context over confusion,” noting that misinformation and poorly verified reports have the potential to inflame tensions and undermine public trust in institutions.
Referencing the role of the media as the Fourth Estate of the Realm, the Minority Leader emphasised that journalists serve as watchdogs over the Executive, Legislature and Judiciary, and therefore must exercise their mandate with integrity and professionalism.
He also highlighted constitutional guarantees of press freedom under Ghana’s 1992 Constitution, noting that freedom of expression remains central to democratic governance and accountability.
The event, organised by the Ghana Journalists Association and led by its President Albert Kwabena Dwumfour, brought together media practitioners, diplomats, and development partners to reflect on the state of press freedom and honour veteran journalists for their contributions to Ghana’s democratic development.
The annual World Press Freedom Day commemoration continues to serve as a platform for dialogue on the challenges facing journalism, including misinformation, digital safety, and the protection of journalists in the line of duty.
By: Christian Kpesese
