President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has called on the media fraternity to uphold high standards of accuracy, integrity, and ethical journalism.
According to the President, while it is essential for the media to receive the support necessary for it to thrive, it must simultaneously commit to upholding the highest ethical standards of the profession.
He was speaking at the closing ceremony of the African Media Convention (AMC) held in Accra on Friday, May 17, 2024.
“Freedom of the Media is fundamental to the growth and development of any democratic society in Africa, with witness of transformative shift towards greater media freedom over the last few decades.
“However, this freedom is not merely about the ability to speak or write freely about it is also about the power to inform, to imagine and to mobilise society to come in here, and emphasise the crucial for the media to uphold not just accuracy, but also integrity and ethical standards, that respect and the dignity of all individuals,” he said.
The media convention, drew over 2,000 media professionals, policymakers, and scholars from across the continent. This year’s theme, “Journalism in the face of the Environmental Crisis in Africa,” underscored the critical role of media in addressing environmental challenges.
President Akufo-Addo emphasized the importance of innovation and sustainability within the media landscape, noting that the intersection of these elements is crucial for the future of African journalism. “The theme of this convention captures the essence of our times. Today, media stands at the crossroads of present challenges and opportunities. As we navigate the complexities of our evolving world, the media’s role becomes ever more significant, not just as a guardian of freedom but as a catalyst for sustainable development and innovation.”
Reflecting on Ghana’s democratic journey, the President highlighted the country’s commitment to upholding democratic principles, including freedom of expression. He said this year marks the 31st anniversary of Ghana as a constitutional republic stressing that the years gone by has seen the media play an integral role as the fourth estate of the realm in keeping successive governments in check.
He recounted his personal contributions to media freedom, particularly the repeal of the criminal libel laws. “As Attorney General under President John Kufuor, I championed the repeal of the criminal libel laws on January 27, 2001. That day remains a significant milestone in my career and in the history of Ghanaian media. It freed the media from unnecessary self-censorship, fostering a culture of critical and vibrant journalism.”
He praised the media’s role in enhancing public accountability and deepening democracy in Ghana. He said through the enactment of the acts like the Right to Information Act in 2019, a task two successive governments failed to accomplish due to a lack of political will, is another milestone in our democratic journey.
He continued, “Today, the Ghanaian citizen can freely express their opinions on government policies and actions, interrogating fairness and advocating for improvements. This environment of openness has earned Ghana a high ranking on the Global Press Freedom Index, reflecting our commitment to media freedom.”
Concluding his address, President Akufo-Addo called on media practitioners to continue their vital work while maintaining the highest standards of professionalism.
“We will support you to thrive, but it is imperative that you uphold the principles of accuracy, integrity, and ethical journalism. The media’s role is not only to inform but also to inspire and mobilize society towards positive change.”
He encouraged delegates to take the insights and strategies discussed at the convention back to their respective countries and media organizations.
