A weekly social newspaper, Niceday with the objective of reducing stress through entertainment and comic stories has been launched in Accra. The eight page paper, which will be out every Monday has good graphic design and colourful pictures.
The Deputy Secretary General of the National Media Commission (NMC), Mr. Stephen Dotse called on the editorial staff of Niceday to be objective, fair and responsible in their reportage. He urged them to cross-check their information before going public.
This, he said, will serve and protect the national interest and at the same time, promote and strengthen democracy.
Mr. Dotse said the constitution in article 164 (4) says "editors and publishers of newspapers and other institutions of the mass media shall not be subjected to control or interference by government nor shall they be penalised or harassed for their editorial opinions and views, or the content of their publications." However, the article calls on media practitioners to be mindful of national security, public order and the protection of the rights and freedoms of other persons.
"Unfortunately, we are quick to allude to our freedoms under the Constitution but try as much as practicable to gloss over the interests the same constitution has asked us to be mindful of in the performance of our professional duties."
He emphasised the need to employ trained journalists to avert the negative attitude which is affecting the image of journalism in the country.
"Even though there is a marked improvement in the overall performance of the print media, I must be frank that there is a worrying spate of carelessness, waywardness and indeed sheer irresponsibility on the part of some print media journalists in Ghana today."
He said decent and civil language which characterised Ghanaian journalism in times past is giving way to reckless writing. He cautioned that the repeal of the criminal libel law is no licence for irresponsibility.
The Managing Editor of The Accra Mail, Mr. Harruna Attah, who chaired the function, urged the editorial staff of the Niceday not to give up when the going get tough.
He regretted that 'hot' headlines have become the hallmark of Ghanaian newspaper journalism. He said the practice were vendors display some newspapers boldly on their stands with the notion that they sell better than others is unfortunate. He therefore called on Niceday to reckon with the vendors because they can unmake a newspaper, adding that they should strategise to get their niche.
Mr. Attah called on the Private Newspaper Publishers Association of Ghana (PRINPAG) to address the issue of distribution.
The Publisher of Niceday, Mr. Roger A. Kuhney promised that the paper would not have immoral and obscene reportage.
The secretary general of PRINPAG and editor of The Spark newspaper, Mr. Nii Laryea Sowah launched Niceday.
The first copies of the paper were auctioned for almost ?2 million.
