The Chairman of the National Media Commission, NMC, Yaw Boadu Ayeboafo has responded to the recent arrest of some journalists in the country.
His reaction comes on the back of publication of false news and libel cases leveled against some journalists by the Ghana Police Service.
In an interview with Spice 91.9 FM, Boadu Ayeboafo said, journalists should be guided accordingly in their reportage and work within the ethics governing the profession.
He stated that, freedom of speech should be used as a tool to promote peace and not to tarnish the reputation of people.
“Freedom of Speech doesn’t mean saying words to downgrade people’s reputation. Freedom of speech only offers the opportunity to share your opinion without causing harm. There is no law that gives a journalist an absolute power to do or say anything for the sake of being a journalist”, he stated.
According to him, the media should be circumspect in the execution of their duties, not disrespecting Ghanaians whom they are mandated to serve and protect.
He observed that the craft of journalism is given the needed respect because of the actions and utterances of some journalist in the country.
“Respecting Ghanaians with our words and actions will make them to appreciate the work of journalists”, he said.
He however mentioned that the rights and freedom comes with responsibilities hence urged journalist to be responsible in their reportage.
Yaw Boadu Ayebaofo stressed freedoms of enjoyed by journalists are not so ‘special’ to other Ghanaians in the country.
He indicated that the Commission’s attempt to curtail such reckless acts on the part of some broadcasters proves futile as these media persons express misgivings leading to accusations on the Commission.
He also called on journalists not allow themselves to be used by politicians to drag people’s integrity into the mud.
Advising the media, Yaw Boafo Ayeboafo urged media personnel to cross check their information before publishing news to the public domain.
