Raising the Bar: Addressing the Decline in Journalism Standards in Ghana

Ghana Journalist Association President, Albert K. Dwumfour

Journalism, as a profession, plays an essential role in any democratic society. In Ghana, however, the standards of journalism have been a subject of growing concern in recent years. As media consumption and technology evolve, so too do the challenges faced by the profession. Among these challenges are the proliferation of university journalism faculties with unqualified staff and the declining reading habits among journalists. Could these two factors be responsible for the declining standards of journalism in Ghana, or are there other underlying issues contributing to the deterioration of this noble profession?

The Proliferation of Journalism Faculties and Unqualified Staff

In the last few decades, Ghana has witnessed a significant increase in the number of universities offering journalism programmes. This expansion is a response to the growing demand for professional journalists and the perceived importance of mass communication in the development of the country. While this trend can be seen as a positive development, it has also raised concerns about the quality of education in journalism faculties across the country.

One of the most glaring issues is the lack of qualified staff in many journalism departments. The proliferation of journalism programmes has, in some cases, outpaced the availability of experienced and well-trained faculty members. Many lecturers in these programmes, while well-meaning, lack the necessary qualifications, industry experience, and research background to adequately prepare students for the complexities of modern journalism.

University faculties must have staff members who are not only academically qualified but also possess significant experience in the field of journalism. The presence of professional journalists in the classroom allows students to learn from real-world experiences, understand the ethical dilemmas they might face, and grasp the practical skills necessary to excel in the newsroom. Unfortunately, in some Ghanaian institutions, academic staff members may have theoretical knowledge without sufficient journalistic experience, and this gap can affect the quality of education students receive.

Moreover, some of the universities have also been criticized for not keeping pace with the evolving trends in journalism. As media platforms diversify, traditional print journalism is increasingly being overshadowed by digital media, social media and broadcast journalism. If universities fail to update their curricula to reflect these changes, they are not equipping future journalists with the tools they need to succeed in a rapidly evolving media landscape. The absence of a robust curriculum that addresses emerging media technologies and ethics also results in a lack of preparedness among graduates when they enter the workforce.

Further exacerbating the issue is the lack of practical training opportunities. Many journalism programmes, particularly those in some private universities, do not have the resources or connections to provide students with hands-on experience. Without internships or opportunities to report, produce, and edit real-world stories, students may struggle to transition from theoretical knowledge to practical journalistic work. This gap between classroom learning and practical experience can result in graduates who are not adequately prepared to meet the demands of the industry.

The Declining Reading Habits Among Journalists

In tandem with the issue of unqualified staff in some journalism faculties is the decline in reading habits among journalists. In a country like Ghana, where media is often the primary source of information for the public, it is critical for journalists to remain informed and well-read on a range of topics. However, the fast-paced nature of modern journalism, the rise of digital media, and the pressure to produce content quickly have led to a worrying trend: the decline in the reading habits of journalists.

Reading is a fundamental aspect of good journalism. Whether it is reading books, newspapers, academic journals or online articles, journalists need to stay up-to-date with the latest trends, research and developments in their field. The ability to read widely and critically allows journalists to write informed, balanced, and nuanced stories that go beyond superficial reporting. Unfortunately, many journalists in Ghana, particularly those working in the print and broadcast media, seem to have less time for reading or simply do not prioritize it.

This decline in reading is not only a consequence of the pressures of the job but also a reflection of the increasing reliance on digital media platforms for quick information. Journalists often turn to social media or online news outlets for breaking stories, relying on sources like X (Twitter), Facebook and WhatsApp to gather news in real time. While this has its advantages, it also presents challenges in terms of accuracy and in-depth analysis. Social media platforms often prioritize speed over accuracy, which can lead to the spread of misinformation or the distortion of facts. In the absence of critical reading, journalists may miss nuances, fail to ask important questions or misinterpret complex issues.

The decline in reading also has a direct impact on the quality of journalism. Without a solid foundation of knowledge, journalists may struggle to write coherent and well-researched articles. They may rely on surface-level reporting, simply repeating what has already been published or shared on social media, rather than engaging with the material in a meaningful way. In essence, the decline in reading habits can result in shallow reporting that lacks depth, context, and accuracy.

The Role of Professional Associations and Ethics

While the proliferation of journalism faculties with unqualified staff and the decline in reading habits are significant factors contributing to the falling standards of journalism in Ghana, they are not the only causes. Another contributing factor is the lack of strong professional associations and ethical guidelines within the industry.

The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), while active, has not always been successful in ensuring the professional development of journalists or in setting and enforcing industry standards. For journalism to thrive, there needs to be a strong system of accountability, continuing education and a clear set of ethical guidelines. Many journalists in Ghana do not undergo sufficient training in media ethics, and as a result, they may fall short of upholding the highest standards of professionalism in their work.

Moreover, the challenges posed by the government’s influence on the media, the rise of media ownership consolidation, and the rise of partisan journalism also play a role in eroding journalistic standards. Journalists, particularly those working for government-run or politically affiliated media outlets, may find themselves under pressure to align with the interests of their employers, rather than serving the public interest. This compromises the ability of the media to hold the powerful to account and to provide independent, unbiased news coverage.

Is There a Way Forward?
To address the declining standards of journalism in Ghana, a multi-faceted approach is required. First, universities offering journalism programmes must invest in recruiting qualified faculty members with both academic credentials and practical experience. These institutions must continuously update their curricula to reflect the changing nature of media and communication in the digital age.

Secondly, journalists themselves need to prioritize reading and ongoing education. Professional development workshops, seminars, and conferences should be organized regularly to provide journalists with the opportunity to engage with emerging issues, technologies, and ethics in the media landscape. By fostering a culture of lifelong learning, Ghanaian journalists can better navigate the challenges posed by the rapidly evolving media industry.

Besides, media organizations and professional bodies like the Ghana Journalists Association must take a more active role in ensuring ethical reporting, training journalists in investigative techniques and promoting accountability. It is crucial that the media industry, as a whole, adopts stringent ethical standards and encourages its members to uphold them.

Finally, the role of digital media cannot be understated. While social media platforms have been instrumental in democratizing information, they have also created a chaotic media environment, where misinformation spreads rapidly. It is the responsibility of journalists to verify the information they report, cross-check sources and provide context, rather than succumbing to the pressure to publish quickly.

Conclusion
The falling standards of journalism in Ghana are indeed a pressing concern. While the proliferation of journalism faculties with unqualified staff and the decline in reading habits among journalists are important contributing factors, they are by no means the sole causes. A combination of factors, including a lack of ethical guidelines, government interference, and the challenges posed by digital media, have collectively contributed to the erosion of journalistic standards.

To restore the credibility and effectiveness of journalism in Ghana, both educational institutions and media organizations must take proactive steps to address these issues. By investing in quality education, fostering a culture of lifelong learning, and adhering to strong ethical standards, Ghana’s journalism profession can rise to meet the challenges of the modern media landscape. In doing so, it will fulfill its essential role as the watchdog of society, holding the powerful to account and informing the public in an era of rapid technological change.

The writer is a journalist, columnist, PR expert and journalism and media studies lecturer at Christian Service University. Email: [email protected]