Veteran media practitioner Kwesi Pratt Jnr has urged Ghanaian journalists to prioritise public interest over the pursuit of attention. He stated that the core duty of journalists is to establish what the public truly needs to know, not merely to maximise viewership or clicks.
Mr. Pratt, the Managing Editor of The Insight newspaper, delivered this message at the 77th anniversary symposium of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) in Accra last Wednesday. He highlighted that journalism must be guided by professional judgement, especially in an era where digital platforms often reward controversy and sensationalism. He stressed that speed should never override accuracy in the digital age, asserting that being first to publish does not guarantee impact or truth.
This call for ethical journalism comes at a crucial time for Ghana's media landscape, which is grappling with the rapid expansion of digital platforms and the pressures of a competitive information environment. The media's role in shaping public consciousness and holding power accountable is vital for Ghana's democratic development. Ensuring credible information is paramount for informed public discourse and economic stability.
“The journalist's task, however, is not simply to maximise attention, but to determine what the public needs to know,” Mr. Pratt stated during his address. He added that media credibility hinges on five pillars: accuracy, verification, fairness, courage, and investigative scrutiny of influential persons and institutions. This statement underscores the foundational principles that distinguish professional journalism from general online content.
The implications of Mr. Pratt's remarks are significant for media organisations and their audiences across Ghana. Media houses must re-evaluate their editorial policies and employment practices to ensure they uphold professional benchmarks. Audiences should also become more discerning consumers of news, seeking out sources that demonstrate a commitment to these ethical standards. Decision-makers in the media industry will need to consider how to foster an environment where responsible journalism can thrive.
Mr. Pratt also criticised certain television stations for demanding a minimum number of Facebook followers from prospective presenters. He argued that this practice undermines professional standards and represents a complete affront to journalism as a profession. Such criteria, he noted, contribute significantly to eroding media credibility and focusing on popularity over journalistic skill.
The veteran journalist further urged media establishments to reassess representation in national news coverage. He observed that current reporting disproportionately features state officials and corporate executives. Key segments of society, including farmers, market women, and unemployed youth, receive inadequate and episodic attention. He stressed that these ordinary citizens are not merely background figures but hold the country together.
The 77th GJA anniversary symposium, themed "GJA at 77: Building on our legacy, advancing ethical journalism, and shaping the future of digital media," brought together many high-profile speakers. These included the Chairperson of the National Media Commission (NMC), Professor Akua Opokua Britwum, and the UNESCO Representative to Ghana, Edmond Moukala. Their collective presence highlighted the importance of these discussions for the future of Ghanaian media.
Mr. Pratt reminded attendees that Ghana’s journalism tradition is deeply rooted in the country’s political and democratic development. The GJA, established on August 15, 1949, as the Africa Press Association, emerged during a period of significant political transformation in the Gold Coast. He emphasised that the press has always been an active participant in Ghana’s struggle for self-determination, not merely an observer.
He concluded by stating that preserving this legacy requires journalists to continually examine whether the profession adequately serves its democratic, social, and national responsibilities. He referenced the 1992 Constitution, which guarantees media freedom while assigning responsibility for holding government accountable. “Press freedom without responsibility can become reckless, and responsibility without freedom can become submission,” he cautioned, highlighting the delicate balance required for a healthy media ecosystem.