JOURNALISM; A CALL NOT JUST A PROFESSION

In the words of Gwen Lister; a journalist in Africa for about four decades, 'we have a responsibility, in fact a duty to expose political abuse'. These remarks were made at the second Carlos Cardoso memorial lecture at the University of Witwatersrand. Carlos Cardoso, a former student at WITS fiery journalist in Mozambique was gunned down in the streets of Maputo in 2000 when he was investigating the alleged $14 million fraud linked to Mozambique's largest bank; Banco Commercial de Mocambique. It is said that, good name is better than riches. Cardoso is still remembered for dying for what he believed in 'exposing corruption in Mozambique'.

On 18th January, 2014, Ghana and the world received a shock at demise of BBC's ace journalist Komla Dumor. Dumor who started his career in Ghana rose to apex of his career as a broadcast journalist at the BBC. In his own words, of the programmes he presented, 'Focus on Africa' was his favourite because he had the opportunity to present the African story the African way. A lot of farewell messages have come in for the ace journalist from all corners of the world. High profiled politicians, business men and women, philanthropists, journalists among others describing what he stood for and his attitude towards journalism.

The African story for decades have been presented by foreigners from another lens but Dumor presented the African story the African way, voicing out what really pertained on the continent. A continent which was perceived by many as the 'Dark Continent' is now seen as the continent of hope. Indeed, we have lost an illustrious son and his contribution towards Africa will be on our mind for decades. Patric Motsepe, the forth Forbes Africa person of the year 2013 said, 'Africans are not judged by how much money they have but what they have done for their people'.

What lessons can be learnt from these journalists who did not only see journalism as a profession but also a call to serve humanity? The media as referred to as the fourth arm of government have a role to play in our quest to develop with emphasis on their watchdog role on the government. Over the years, the media has gained substantial level of freedom to operate and it is incumbent on it to fully utilize the given space fishing out the rot that hinders development in society. Again, is the information put out by the media unifying us or dividing us? Is the information retarding development or fostering development?

The Ghanaian media has over the years shaped our discourse in such a way that politics is the only thing for us to talk about. So called politics is discussed on radio, television and in newspapers everyday but are these programmes really making any positive change in our society? The proliferation of media houses in Ghana must has opened and increased opportunities for citizens to discuss issues of national development but what do we see now. Some journalists are now dancing to the music of politicians promoting their selfish interests at the expense of developmental issues. Again, it is painful to see journalists pick portions of statements made by people especially public officials and interpret them to mean something else all in their quest to tarnish their image. This can also be attributed to the fact that some politicians own media houses so journalists who work for them have to toe the line of those managers. Journalism is not just a profession but also a call to serve society. They must identify a session of society they want to change and pursue it to the later.

In the words of Manu Chandaria; Forbes lifetime achievement awardee in 2013, 'we are interested in politics but cannot end poverty. If countries can't pay attention to key issues like employment, human rights and regulation, poverty won't go away'. The blame game politics will send us nowhere unless we change our focus. Journalists wherever they find themselves must not only create news but see to it that, problems are solved to the later.

We have a lot of talented young journalists in Ghana who have challenged the status quo to find answers to questions which have not been answered especially corruption in government and public service. I therefore call on all journalists to act professionally and report the realities on the ground to cause positive changes in our society. Long live Journalism…..Long live Ghana……

AMOAH-DARKWAH EMMANUEL
INTEGRITY AMBASSADOR
[email protected]
0245-683297