Minister Advises Journalists To Adhere To Ethics

Cape Coast, (Central Region) 9 Oct.,

Cape Coast, (Central Region) 9 Oct., Journalists should safeguard press freedom by adhering strictly to their code of ethics. They must regulate themselves in the performance of their duties to avoid pitfalls and brushes with the law. Mr Kojo Yankah, Central Regional Minister, reiterated this appeal at a seminar for members of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) in Cape Coast yesterday. The seminar, organized by the GJA, was sponsored by the Friedrich Ebert Foundation on the theme ''Enforcing the GJA Code of Ethics''. Mr Yankah reminded journalists of the need for credibility and fair assessment of their social obligations to the people. He warned that those who fail to exercise correct judgement on what they publish should be prepared to accept responsibility for breaching the code of their ethics. The Minister appealed to journalists to cultivate good sources for information and to be well informed to enable them to educate the public on both national and international issues. The minister said it is imperative for every journalist to ''be a rich well of knowledge'' about global issues such as the new world economic order especially at a period when Africa, as a whole, was moving through a political and economic transition. Mr Yankah called on the journalists to promote the region's budding tourism industry and work towards protecting its environment. He urged managements of the media to upgrade the skills of their staff to enable them to discharge their obligations more efficiently. Mr Yaw Boadu-Ayeboafo, vice-president of the GJA, reiterated journalists role in ensuring sustainable development and urged all to exhibit high professional standards. He urged them to avoid the tendency of allowing themselves to be controlled and dictated to by others, emphasising that ''we have a primary duty to ensure that the irresponsible ones amongst us do not destroy the image and structure of the profession". Mr Akwasi Afriyie-Badu, FES Media representative, outlined FES role in assisting the GJA to enhance the standard of journalism. Dr Bonnah Koomson, secretary to the ethics Disciplinary Committee, led discussions on the "importance of ethics in journalism.'' Mr Ebo Sackey, Regional Chairman, expressed the hope that the seminar would enhance journalism in the region.