The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) celebrated its 75th anniversary with a commemorative lecture at the La Palm Royal Beach Hotel in Accra on Thursday, August 15, 2024.
At the event, Information Minister Fatimatu Abubakar highlighted GJA’s steadfast commitment to press freedom over the past 75 years, emphasizing the association’s pivotal role in ensuring that the media remains a strong advocate for the public.
She explained that the theme, “75 Years of Excellence in Journalism,” celebrates the vision of pioneers who saw a free and independent press as crucial to Ghana’s democracy.
As journalism continues to evolve, the sub-theme on AI’s future role underscores the transformative potential of artificial intelligence in the industry.
Hon. Fatimatu Abubakar highlighted that AI is no longer a futuristic concept but is already transforming news production, presentation, and distribution. She stressed the need for journalists to acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to integrate AI responsibly into their work.
She urged media owners and managers to recognize AI’s strategic importance and invest in training for their staff to adapt to the rapidly evolving media landscape. By embracing AI, journalists can enhance their storytelling, conduct thorough investigations, and engage with their audience in innovative ways.
However, she cautioned that while AI offers significant opportunities, it also presents challenges, and it is essential to maintain the human touch in storytelling and address issues such as bias, misinformation, and the erosion of public trust. “Balancing innovation with responsibility is crucial to ensuring that AI remains a positive force in journalism.”
She reiterated the Ministry of Information’s commitment to building strong partnerships with media organizations like the GJA and supporting initiatives such as the Media Capacity Enhancement Program (MCEP) to equip journalists with the skills for responsible journalism.
The Minister emphasized the Ministry’s dedication to reinforcing its relationship with the GJA to make the next 75 years even more impactful and successful.
The lecture highlighted the need for the responsible use of AI in journalism, recognizing its transformative potential while addressing its challenges. Ethical standards, the human element in news stories, and public trust must be preserved as AI continues to influence the future of journalism.
