Journalists advised to put national interest first

Journalists have been urged to put the national interest above parochial interest in their quest for higher professionalism. The advice was given by a member of the Council of State, Mrs Gifty Affenyi-Dadzie at the first ever National Honours Day held in Accra.

Mrs Affenyi-Dadzie, a former president of the Ghana Journalists Association was decorated with the Order of the Volta Award for Journalism and Public Service.

She told Joy News in an interview that the practice of Journalism must be seen as an opportunity to serve one's nation and to uphold and defend the principle of the public interest. She said journalist must also seek to put government on its toes to ensure that the national interest is best served.

“Today, I am more than inclined to believe that our constitution has placed on we journalists to uphold governments accountable to the people of Ghana.

“As I stand there it keeps on ringing in my mind and I believe that journalist everywhere should believe in themselves that we all have a role to play and should follow our code of ethics and let the words of our national anthem and the pledge register in our hearts everyday.”

Another award winner, Senior Minister J. H Mensah, who was decorated with the Order of the Star of Ghana, told Joy News that he had been inspired to contribute more towards national development.

“They do not pay us much when you are working for the state but it is nice that at least someone appreciates that you help a little bit and it is good for the morale of the nation that what we people have done does not go unrecognised.”

On his part, the General Overseer of the International Central Gospel Church, Pastor Mensah Otabil, who received the Order of the Volta for Religion, said there is the need for people to dedicate themselves to selfless service instead of focusing on rewards.

“I do not think people should work because they want an award from the state. I think people should work because that is what gives them fulfilments and satisfaction in life”.

“If you look forward for a reward, I think you will be disappointed and you will bench mark your own performances against how people evaluate you. But I think you should evaluate yourself, because you are the best evaluator and you determine what gives you satisfaction so you just go for it”, he said