‘Journalists must be responsible’

Deputy Minister for Information and Media Relations, Felix Ofosu Kwakye, has cautioned journalists to consider the reputation of people in their reportage.

He said reputations are hard-won; therefore, it is required of journalists and by extension news editors, to be circumspect in handling reports that involve the reputation of people, especially public officials in the country.

In an interview with The Independent on the occasion of re-Launch of the newspaper, Mr Ofosu Kwakye advised journalists to be sensitive to ensure that accuracy and fairness guide them in the dispatch of their professional duties.

“Reputation is hard-won therefore, if for the lack of professionalism, you injure someone’s reputation without any basis, it could take some time for that reputation to be rebuilt. In some instances, it is virtually impossible to repair. In order to avoid that, journalists must show professionalism in their reportage,” the Deputy Minister noted.

Mr. Ofosu Kwakye reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring that the media fraternity enjoyed press freedom and the enabling environment needed for it to work effectively and efficiently.