The Member of Parliament (MP) for Wassa Amenfi East, Hon. Nicholas Amankwah has urged journalists in Ghana to remember the importance of credibility, professionalism, and other ethics in journalism.
He said that 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 made these statements at the official launch of Wassa Amenfi Journalist Association (WAJA) in Wassa Akropong.
The MP, who is affectionately called ‘Home Boy’ cautioned practitioners against sensational and unbalanced reportage as it has the tendency to paint a negative image of the three Amenfi enclaves to the outside world, adding that it scares investors and tourists from visiting the area.
The MP used the opportunity to admonish members of Wassa Amenfi Journalists Association to promote good image of the area and its prominent personalities.
He added that there are some journalists who believe that the only way to practice journalism is to blackmail and fabricate untrue stories of their hometowns or rural areas.
This, according to him is untrue since journalism includes holding duty bearers accountable and drawing attention to the ills of society.
He believes that it is important to tell the positive stories of their communities so that they can attract investors and tourists to boost the local economy.
Nicholas Amankwah gave an assurance that his office is very committed 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 they should crosscheck their facts before putting out their reportage.
Mr. Nicholas Amankwah emphasized that the media should be used to preach peace and unity among the people other than promoting selfishness and hatred ahead of the 2024 election.
The lawmaker noted that the use of the media for propaganda, selfishness, hate speeches, and tribalism have led to insecurities, conflicts, and hatred among the people thus, there is a need to stop such acts.
