The member of Parliament for Wassa Amenfi East, hon. Nicholas Amankwah has urged journalists in Wassa Amenfi in the Western region and Ghana at large not to forget about the importance of credibility, professionalism, and other ethics in journalism.
He said the tenets of journalism enjoined practitioners to provide the public with balanced, accurate and factual information whilst encouraging professionalism, integrity and circumspection.
Hon. Nicholas Amankwah was speaking at the official launch of Wassa Amenfi Journalist Association (WAJA) in Wassa Akropong over the weekends.
The MP who is affectionately called ‘Home Boy’ cautioned practitioners against sensational and unbalanced reportage as it had the tendency to paint a negative image of the three Amenfi enclaves to the outside world adding that it scared investors and tourist from visiting the area.
To this end, the MP used the opportunity to admonish members of Wassa Amenfi Journalists Association to promote a good image of the area and its prominent personalities.
Addressing the durbar, the MP said there are still some journalist who believe that the way of journalism is to blackmail and fabricate untrue stories from their home town or coverage areas but while journalism includes holding duty bearers accountable and drawing attention to the ills of society.
He believes, it’s important to tell a positive stories from their community that can attract among other things the investment and tourism to boost the local economy.
Nicholas Amankwah gave an assurance that his office as a member of Parliament is very committed to supporting and doing a number of things to ensure that the media which is the fourth arm of government works free and effectively in Wassa Amenfi.
He charged journalists not to rush in publishing stories but rather double check their facts before putting out their reportage.
Mr. Nicholas Amankwah said that the media should be used to preach peace and unity among the people other than promoting selfishness and hatred ahead of election 2024.
The lawmaker noted that the use of the media for propaganda, selfishness, hate speeches and tribalism have led to insecurity, conflicts, and hatred among the people thus there’s a need to stop such phenomenon.
Source:Mybrytfmonline.com/Kaakyire Kwasi Afari
