Carry your selves professionally – Journalists advised

Mr Yaw Boadu Ayeboafo, Director of Newspapers at the Graphic Communications Group Limited, has advised journalists to maintain a professional image for themselves and the journalism profession.

He said journalism is meant to empower the people of Ghana to contribute to national development, and that if journalists compromise on the work they do it would not help the nation.

Mr Ayeboafo was speaking at the commemoration of this year's World Press freedom Day by the Eastern Regional Chapter of the Ghana Journalists (GJA) in Koforidua on Thursday.

He said the media constituted the conscience of the society and that journalists were not merely to write stories but must make critical analyses of the information they attain before reporting, adding that they should check their conduct in relation to their profession.

The media expert also admonished media personnel to demonstrate respect towards newsmakers and other persons who gave them information.

Mr Dan Botwe, Member of Parliament (MP) for Okere Constituency and Parliamentary Chief Whip, urged the journalists to upgrade themselves by acquaint themselves with the ever changing environment.

He entreated them to do follow ups to stories to inform the government in its decision making and policy formulation for the benefit of the citizenry.

Mr Botwe appealed to the journalists to let their pens, microphones and cameras serve the society better and help people out from their conditions of poverty.

“Let us be true to our society and project this region to attract more investors for its growth; at least let us benefit from development journalism,” he stressed.

Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP), Yaw Nketia Yeboah, Public Relations Officer of the Regional Police Command, emphasized that the media was very relevant in the country and urged journalists to work in line with the code of ethics of their profession to promote peace.

Mr Edmund Quaynor, immediate past Chairman of the Regional GJA, wished the new GJA national executives well in the running of the Association and pledged to be available anytime they needed his support.

He entreated journalists to increase their learning and research capacities to report on substantial issues affecting the nation.