By
Robert Anane, GNA
Accra, Dec 11, GNA –
Journalists have been urged to work hard to build and sustain public confidence
in the media.
This is because the
public keeps losing confidence in some sections of the media, as a result of
poor reportage on the part of some media personnel, and others not sticking to
the ethics of the profession.
Mr Affail Monney,
President of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), said this on Wednesday at
a thanksgiving service, which was held in Accra to climax the GJA’s 70th
anniversary celebrations.
The GJA President
lauded the efforts of journalists who pioneered the cause of journalism in the
country from 1949 till this year, 2019 saying, “it has not been an easy road,
but we have still prevailed.”
He noted that as a
result of tireless efforts by both past and current practitioners of journalism
in the country,the GJA evolved as one of the most vibrant organisations in the
world.
Mr Affail Monney
said considering the fact that journalism was filled with great risk, long and
tedious hours of work as well as experience of harsh conditions and situations,
it was important to give thanks to God periodically, for protecting journalists
as they performed their duties.
He said thanksgiving
services would therefore be a prominent feature of the GJA from now onwards.
“Our way forward is
to give the GJA a firmer spiritual underpinning,” said the GJA President.
The Most. Reverend
Professor (Prof) Emmanuel Asante, Chairman of the National Peace Council, said
in his anniversary sermon, that the peaceful socio-political atmosphere that
Ghana enjoyed, was because of the basic appreciation the populace had for God’s
mercies.
He commended the
leadership of the GJA for demonstrating their awareness of the mercies of God,
because such awareness held seed for future grace and blessings.
Rev. Asante quoted
Isaiah Chapter 11, verses six to nine and said that portions of the Bible, taught
Christians that it was possible to look forward towards a brighter future,
amidst a seeming discouraging and chaotic present.
He said in the face
of approaching elections, which typically sparked anxiety and fear, journalists
had a duty to be truthful and, responsible in their reportage, in order to
ensure and promote peace and stability in the country.
Rev. Asante also
urged journalists to find ways of exposing and preventing the spread of fake
news, which had the potential to destabilise the country.
He said it was
unfortunate that some people were prophesying doom with the approach of
election 2020, adding,“there will be peace in Ghana because you still stand by
the truth and would not allow yourselves to be used.”
The occasion also
saw prayers being said for the three arms of government, the media and the
nation as a whole.
A love offering was
also made to be donated to the Accra Psychiatric Hospital.
The occasion was
attended by GJA executives, heads and representatives of both state and private
media organisations, members of the clergy, media personnel, and a number of
state dignitaries.
Live music was
provided at the occasion by a number of musical groups including the Ghana
Police Band Chapter Three Eagles Band, the GBC choir and the DYC choir.
GNA
