Associate Editor with the Fourth Estate, Seth Kwame Kekeli Bokpe, has raised concerns about the growing influence of media ownership on journalism practice in Ghana, noting that journalists can become targets not necessarily because of their work, but due to perceived political affiliations of the media organisations they work for, which he said undermines fairness and objectivity.
“We need to pay attention to media ownership in Ghana. It is a very important conversation we are not having.”
His comments come as Ghana joined the rest of the world to commemorate World Press Freedom Day on May 3, with renewed attention on the challenges facing the media landscape, including ownership structures, regulation and professional standards.
Speaking on A1 Radio, Mr Bokpe stressed the need for journalists to uphold professionalism and prioritise nonpartisan reporting, regardless of ownership interests or political pressures, adding that ethical journalism is key to maintaining public trust. “What I think we should begin to do is to do good, nonpartisan journalism,” he said.
He also expressed concerns about the effectiveness of the National Media Commission (NMC), suggesting that its impact has not been sufficiently visible despite its mandate to monitor and regulate media practice.
“The National Media Commission is toothless. They are not doing anything. They tell you they are doing media monitoring but when was the last time you actually came across a report that the national media commission is saying this and that and that media stations should watch what they are doing?” Mr Bokpe questioned.
Additionally, he pointed to delays in the passage of the Broadcasting Bill in Parliament, describing it as a major gap in the regulatory framework. According to him, the legislation is expected to streamline operations within the broadcast sector and help address excesses, particularly in radio and television where content is often produced in real time with limited oversight.
“I think there is also a problem with the passage of the broadcasting bill. That bill has been in parliament forever. That bill, ordinarily, would streamline the work of the broadcast media.”
Meanwhile, He acknowledged what he described as an improving environment for journalists under the current administration, commending the president, John Dramani Mahama, for what he sees as a more favourable posture toward the media compared to previous periods.
A1 Radio | 101.1 MHz | Gifty Eyram Kudiabor | Bolgatanga
