President Nana Akufo-Addo has urged journalists to uphold “integrity and fairness” in their reporting as the nation approaches the December general elections.

Speaking at the 28th Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) Media Awards in Accra, he emphasised the importance of being vigilant against misinformation and disinformation, encouraging media practitioners to remain “the gatekeepers of truth” to help citizens make informed decisions.

The President said that traditional media must adapt to the changing landscape of journalism while not compromising the principles of truth, fairness, impartiality, and objectivity.

“While technology is democratising information, it has also [permitted] new vulnerabilities…In the age of social media where information travels faster, journalists must rise to the occasion by being the gatekeepers of truth, ensuring that fact prevails over falsehood.

“We cannot allow ourselves to be swept away by sensationalism or click-bait journalism…The role of the journalist is to provide clarity; not confusion…to inform; not to inflame,” he stated.

President Akufo-Addo underscored the critical role of a vibrant media in democratic governance and urged professionals to “resist the temptation of sensationalism.”

He pointed out that the role of professional journalists was increasingly important, as social media had turned everyone into “a potential news source,” often without the commitment to responsible journalism values.

The ceremony which climaxed the year-long 75th Anniversary celebration of the GJA, was on the theme: “75 years of excellence in Journalism: The Role of the media in Democratic Governance and Elections”. 

Acknowledging the efforts of journalists, the President said that the safety of journalists was a priority for his administration, asserting that “those who attack the media, attack democracy itself.”

He labelled certain past and present publications aimed at damaging his reputation and administration as “baseless and unfounded,” emphasizing his confidence in the people of Ghana to distinguish truth from falsehood.

“As the Fourth Estate, you [the media] have been instrumental in promoting the principles of transparency, accountability and participation which keep any democracy strong.

“Your role in combating misinformation and disinformation is about protecting the reputations of individuals and safeguarding the integrity of our democracy,” he stated.

The awards ceremony recognised Edward Adeti from Media Without Borders as the P. A. V. Ansah Journalist of the Year.

He also received the award for Best Reporter in Investigative Journalism.

Edward Acquah, Chief Reporter at the Ghana News Agency, was named the GJA/Komla Dumor Most Promising Journalist of the Year.

Beatrice Senadju from GBC was awarded Best Female Journalist of the Year and won Best Television Feature Reporter.

Clinton Yeboah from Multimedia was honoured as Best Student Journalist of the Year.

Seth Bokpe from the Fourth Estate, received the Akoto Ampaw Award for Democracy and Good Governance.

In her speech, Fatimatu Abubakar, the Minister for Information, called on the media to maintain impartiality in reporting on the 2024 general election.

She said the government had made progress in promoting press freedom and would continue to create “a safe environment” for all media professionals and sustain capacity-building programmes for journalists.

Naa Prof. Edmund Nminyem Dele Chirr VII, the Paramount Chief of the Nandom Traditional Area and Chairman of the event praised the vital role of journalists and encouraged citizens to support press and media freedom in Ghana.

Mr. Albert Kwabena Dwumfour, President of the GJA, urged political actors to establish proper channels for addressing grievances regarding media coverage.

He also congratulated the award recipients and called on the government to provide resources to state-owned media institutions to help them fulfil their responsibilities.