Strengthen Media Accountability

A panel of media experts has called for the strengthening of media accountability and ethics with emphasis on constant training for journalists to enhance the image of the profession. They say a breach in media ethics or mediocrity could undermine the country's democracy and security. The Acting Director of the School of Communication Studies of the University of Ghana, Dr. Audrey Gadzekpo said journalists sometimes undermine their integrity and sense of judgement by accepting gifts to kill a story which is of public interest. This she said affects the accountability of the media to the people who they are supposed to serve. She said professional editorial and corporate accountability are three key areas that the media should strive to achieve. Dr. Audrey Gadzekpo therefore called for better systems to be put in place to ensure media accountability. She urged the GJA to revitalise its ethics committee and suggested in house training for all journalists. The Chairman of the National Media Commission, Paul Adu Gyamfi said though the media in Ghana have done a lot in the last 15 years there is still more to be done. He urged all media houses to uphold high standards. The GJA Vice President, Affail Monney said an accountable media should encourage the public to voice their grievances against the media to expose unethical practices of journalists and admit their mistakes. He said lack of training for journalists accounts for the large numbers in the profession which tend to erode some of the good gains it has chalked up in entrenching democracy.