Renowned legal practitioner and former Ashanti Regional Chairman of the Ghana Journalist Association Lawyer Nana Yaw Osei says he is deeply pained when journalists act as though they were not trained.
His comments follow the arrest of a Kumasi based TV/Radio presenter of Wontumi Media; who faces charges related to publication of false news.
In a video that has gone viral on social media, the morning show host is seen confidently deceiving the public about a purported announcement of the Electoral Commission to conduct separate elections on different dates for different presidential candidates depending on the position they are placed on the ballot paper.
Offering his opinion on Ultimate FM’s Cup of Tea Show, Lawyer Nana Yaw Osei was critical of situations where journalists knowingly deviate from ethical practices despite their training.
“If a journalist publishes something false today, I can conclude it was deliberate because their level of training should inform better decisions. It’s disappointing when they fail to let their training guide them,” he lamented.
He was however quick to indicate that despite the pockets of infractions that pointed to gaps, the state of media ethics and journalism standards in Ghana had seen some progressive strides.
“I feel okay, even though there is room for improvement. Over the years, journalists have upgraded their knowledge and skills through technology and education. This has equipped them to perform their roles more effectively,” he remarked.
Lawyer Osei urged that in discussing the broader question of journalistic standards, people avoid generalizations recommending that analysis has to be done on a case by case basis.
“You cannot make a blanket statement. Some journalists and media houses maintain high standards, while others do not.”
For instance, I am impressed with how you’re conducting this interview, and I’ve encountered others doing excellent work too,” he told host Julius Caesar Anadem.
He emphasized the need for strong supervision and monitoring in the media insisting that media ethics are often shaped by the internal structures within media organizations.
“In some media houses, there are superiors who hold journalists accountable and question unprofessional behavior. These structures uphold high standards. But in other places, you find journalists working without such oversight, which affects the quality of their work,” he observed.
While acknowledging that perfection is unattainable, Lawyer Osei underscored the need for greater professionalism and accountability in the media space.
“These gaps remain in the system, but they shouldn’t define the progress we’ve made,” he noted.
The National Commission on Civic Education together with CSOs in governance and media monitoring and regulation have released statements condemning the reporter for his blatant mission to disinform the public.
This has heightened a thought-provoking reflection on the importance of ethical journalism in shaping public trust and national discourse.
Source: Ghana/Starrfm.com.gh/103.5FM/Sonia Adu Fokuo
