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Sir Sam Jonah has sent a sobering reminder to Ghanaian journalists of their vital role in the country’s democracy, stating that their obligation to protect the truth, their independence, and their accountability is an unavoidable one.
The politician argues that despite all of the difficulties facing modern journalism, journalists still have a greater need for independence, objectivity, and patriotism.
Sam Jonah gave the opening keynote speech to kick off the Ghana Journalists Association’s (GJA) 75th anniversary celebration in Accra. He recognized the historical significance of the Association’s milestone anniversary, as well as his unwavering belief in the media’s ability to shape society and his own support of journalism through tough times.
He lamented the increasing polarisation of the media landscape, noting the erosion of neutrality and the rise of partisanship and warned against the influence of political patronage and material rewards, which he argued threaten the independence of the Fourth Estate.
“The once united front of objectivity and patriotism appears, to some, fragmented by the divides of partisanship and the shadows of materialism,” Sam Jonah remarked.
He emphasized how crucial it is for the media to remain vigilant, especially at crucial times like elections.
Sam Jonah used historical examples to emphasize the sacrifices made by journalists in the search for justice and the truth. He also challenged modern journalists to preserve the principles of accountability and integrity, stressing the vital role that journalists play in keeping those in positions of authority accountable.
“Your role as the Fourth Estate is a cornerstone of our democracy, and your duty to hold power to account has never been more critical. The influence you wield is powerful, with the ability to frame political discourse and influence public opinion, making it imperative that this power is exercised with the utmost responsibility and ethical rigor. As we move forward, let us remember the sacrifices made by those who came before us, journalists who laid down their lives for the pursuit of truth and justice. It is upon their legacy that the future of Ghanaian journalism will be built—a future where truth prevails over sensationalism, integrity over corruption, and where the pen remains mightier than the sword in the fight for democratic integrity and national unity,” he said.
In addition, he discussed the particular difficulties facing Ghanaian media, such as the apparent dearth of coverage on urgent topics like illicit mining (galamsey), and he urged reporters to stick to their principles in the face of outside pressure and keep searching for the truth.
“As we stand on the precipice of yet another electoral milestone, in my view, the most consequential, the echoes of past violence, the whispers of disenfranchisement looms and I don’t think anyone needs reminding that the conduct of the electoral exercise together with its outcome is so important that the nation cannot afford bias and unprofessional coverage of it by members of your profession. I wish I could be confident that the coverage will be professional but am afraid I can’t, given the largely unserious way in which another important national issue- the most egregious abuse of the rights of millions whose livelihood has been decimated completely by galamsey operations, has been treated by your profession. I don’t know whether you are exhausted and indeed frustrated by the shameful lack of decisive action from the authorities to your interventions. All I know is that your association’s pen which is your weapon has gone eerily silent on this all important matter.”
While he regretted that galamsey doesn’t make the headlines anymore, he said “the country is experiencing the ravages of this terrible phenomenon every day. The alarming increase in children born with deformities, the epidemic of kidney and liver diseases, and the alarming mortality rates in the areas affected by galamsey activities” appear not to merit the sustained concern of journalists.
“What a shame, what a pity! As Journalists the times we live in beckon you to remember your purpose, power and your responsibility. The price of the continued silence is too grave to fathom.”
He invoked the timeless message of Ephraim Amu’s composition, “Yen Ara Asase Ni,” and urged journalists to champion patriotism, stewardship, and unity.
Sam Jonah emphasized the significance of truth in determining Ghana’s future and urged the GJA to respect the values of good governance, fairness, and accountability.
The GJA celebration is on the theme: “75 years of excellence in Journalism: Past, Present and the Future”.
NKONKONSA.com
