Ghanaian media not utilizing their freedom - Bernard Avle

Journalists in Ghana are supposedly not utilizing the relatively abundant press freedom as compared to other countries who are heavily restricted.

This was the sentiment shared by Citi Fm's Breakfast show host and Director of News, Bernard Koku Avle, as one of the speakers at the 2015 TEDxAccra ‘Aha’spora Vs Diaspora Discussion held on Thursday, April 9, 2015 in Accra.

Making references to journalists in neighbouring country Nigeria, Bernard Avle said despite their numerous problems including Boko Haram insurgency, they take every opportunity they get via blogs to show the world the beauty of their country and to relay information.

He highlighted the importance of communication explaining how electronic media such as television and the internet can be used as a powerful tool to reach out to a wider audience.

“African journalists should not always rely on CNN but should create their own CNN and be able to tell our own story to the outside world,” he added.

Bernard Avle advised Ghanaian media to consider the services of people who do not have formal education to generate local content which will add some originality to television programming. He cited popular TV drama series 'Cantata' as one of the most original programmes which got many Ghanaians glued to the television in the 90s.

Nana Ekua Brew-Hammond, author of the novel ‘Powder Necklace’ and a speaker at the event also stated that Africans should appreciate their own and not always depend on the “filter from the West”.

According to her, finding local content is a global problem and no one will do it for Ghana but Ghanaians.

Nana Ekua called for the creation of a more formalized environment to push forward the African media agenda to build a strong force against Western influence.

The 2015 TEDxAccra discussions are on-going and will end on April 12, 2015.