The Chief of Gaare, Naba Mwarebilsong-naneeteng, has described journalists as the “watchdogs of democracy,” whose work safeguards truth, accountability, and the public interest. He said journalists remain the guiding light in an era of misinformation and fake news, serving as the bridge between the people and power.
Naba Mwarebilsong-naneeteng made the remarks on behalf of the Paramount Chief of the Talensi Traditional Area, Tongraan Kugbilsong Nanlebegtang, at the 4th Upper East Regional Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) Awards held over the weekend at the Blue Sky Hotel in Bolgatanga.
“In our world today, where information flows faster than ever and the line between fact and fiction sometimes blurs, it is the journalists that we rely on,” he said.
“They are the voice of the voiceless and the watchdogs of democracy. They dig deeper to uncover hidden truths and bring light to the darkest corners of our world.”
The traditional leader commended journalists for their courage and sacrifices in telling the stories that shape society, often under difficult and risky conditions.
“Tonight, we recognize not just the winners of this year’s awards, but the entire media community,” he said.
“We celebrate those who have faced danger to tell their stories and those who remain committed to integrity, accuracy, and fairness.”
He urged journalists to remain steadfast in their mission despite the growing challenges of misinformation and declining public trust in institutions.
“The rise of fake news, the erosion of trust, and the pressure to excite rather than to inform are real threats. But I have no doubt that the spirit of journalism — its commitment to the public good — will always prevail,” he added.
The 4th Upper East Regional GJA Awards celebrated excellence in journalism under the theme “Building Public Trust in the Media: The Role of Journalists in the Upper East Region.”
The event was sponsored by WaterAid Ghana under the SHARE Project, Paga Youth Movement, Kacstone Records, Cardinal Namdini Mining Company Ltd, and the Ghana Shippers’ Authority.
Other sponsors included Rural Initiatives for Self-Empowerment (RISE) Ghana, MTN Ghana, Endswell Pharmacy, Development Research and Advocacy Center (DRAC), Earl International Group Gold Ghana Ltd, Ghana Tourism Authority, Physioshop Production Center (PPC)-Paga, and Ghana Hotels Association (Upper East Branch).
The rest were Widows and Orphans Movement (WOM), Adonai Sports Management (UK), Atiamah Catering Services, Blue Sky Hotel, Bolgatanga Technical University, Mozak Multimedia Services, ICOUR, and Afrikis Ghana.
Source: A1Radioonline.com|101.1Mhz|Joshua Asaah|
