Two Ghanaian Journalists honoured in Switzerland

Two Ghanaian journalists were on Monday honoured at the 19th World Congress of the International Catholic Union of the Press (UCIP) at the University of Fribourg, Switzerland.

Vincent Azumah of International Needs-Ghana, an NGO and Diedong Africanus a freelance, won the International Media Award on Women's Issues category and African Issues respectively.

A release by the UCIP secretariat at Fribourg University said the two were among 54 journalists from all over the world who were honoured.

A citation accompanying Mr. Azumah's award said: "For bringing into light the plight of women in different parts of the world, for defending justice and righteousness and for initiating fruitful debates, UCIP honours you with this award".

The release said the competition, which was open to Catholic and Christian journalists worldwide had over 750 journalists sending in entries.

Archbishop John P. Folley, President of the Catholic Pontifical Council for Social Communications, who spoke on the theme: "Media and the Challenges of Globalisation", urged journalists to maintain objectivity and fairness in their presentation of exclusive stories.

"You should not rush to get the news out first. Get it first but first get it right."

He said globalisation gives journalists the new responsibility of building bridges between the world's different people and different continents using the most appropriate technology.

"Journalists have the responsibility of ensuring that the negative effects of globalisation are minimised whilst its positive effects are maximised by providing adequate information instead of fanning war."

The release said over 500 journalists from about 93 countries were attending the weeklong congress including 20 countries from Africa.