Tongraan Kugbilsong Nanlebegtang, the Paramount Chief of the Talensi Traditional Area in the Upper East Region, has called on the media to report news with accuracy and without bias. Speaking at the 2nd Upper East Regional Awards of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) in Bolgatanga, the chief emphasised the importance of responsible journalism in society and how it can help build trust and unity among people.
The Overload of Talensi said the role of journalists involves serving as pacesetters for development and maintaining peace; however, others have been biased in their reportage, and that creates an enemy for them.
“Journalists don’t have enemies; they create their own enemies. If you are a journalist and you report fairly on both sides of the story, whichever way you report, make sure you report on any matter that you are dealing with by giving the opportunity to all parties involved. If you create a one-sided event, you will create enemies for yourself”, he indicated.
The chief expressed concern that some journalists, who have never stepped foot in some traditional areas in the Upper East Region, reported on issues that were misrepresented and manipulated to suit certain agendas.
“As journalists and those of you who are in this region, you know that there are some of your members who report very negatively without any recourse. I want to take this opportunity to enlighten your members who do so and sometimes it creates an impression of our traditional area, things that people will not do in other areas.”
He urged journalists to prioritise integrity and fairness when reporting news, as this is crucial in maintaining public trust. The Tongraan also urged the GJA to provide training to journalists to ensure that they have the necessary skills and knowledge to report on complex issues accurately.
The 2nd edition of the Upper East Regional GJA Awards that took place on October 6, 2023, at GNAT Hall in Bolgatanga saw 19 award categories being won. 17 of those awards went to 10 deserving individual journalists, while 2 went to 2 radio stations. Five individuals were honoured for their contribution to the media industry and the region’s development.
The main sponsor of the awards program was WaterAid Ghana under the SHARE project, which is also implemented by Right to Play, FAWE, and FHI 360 with sponsorship from Global Affairs Canada.
Other sponsors include the Silas Amoah Foundation, Bolgatanga Municipal Assembly, Afrikids Ghana, Earl International Group (Ghana) Gold Mining Ltd, MTN Ghana, Endswell Pharmacy, Youth Harvest Foundation, VRA/NEDCO, Participatory Action for Rural Development Alternatives (PARDA) and Widows and Orphans Movement.
Source: A1Radioonline.com|101.1Mhz|Joshua Asaah|Bolgatanga|Ghana
