PROMOTING HEALTHY DISCOURSE (FEB 25, 2010)

THE 1992 Constitution guarantees the freedom and independence of the media. It also prohibits censorship in the country.
However, there is no absolute freedom of the press anywhere in the world and that is why the press is enjoined to exercise freedom with responsibility.
The power of the media can be likened to a lethal weapon which, if not used properly, can create confusion in society.
Media irresponsibility has led to instability in many countries on the continent. The genocide in Rwanda and the political crisis in Kenya were caused largely by irresponsible reportage by a section of the media.
Besides the media’s traditional role of providing education, information and entertainment, they provide the platform to spread knowledge and enlightenment that shape society for the better.
By now there should be no doubt in the mind of anybody why Napoleon Bonaparte once declared, “The pen is mightier than the sword.”
The Daily Graphic calls on journalists to always practise their profession bearing in mind their ethical and professional obligations.
For, if journalists abuse the freedom that they enjoy, they provide the authorities with the excuse to curtail media freedom and rights.
Article 164 of the Constitution states, “The provisions of articles 162 and 163 of this Constitution are subject to laws that are reasonably required in the interest of national security, public order, public morality and for the purpose of protecting the reputations, rights and freedoms of other persons.”
Some of the conditions under which the freedom of the media can be curtailed are difficult to define, hence the need for all journalists to exercise freedom with responsibility to avoid a situation where the authorities may have an excuse to apply this rule.
Although the Constitution enjoins journalists to uphold the responsibility and accountability of the government to the people of Ghana, journalists should commend the government if it initiates policies that promote the welfare of the people and criticise it when it initiates bad policies, in line with their watchdog role.
The caution, therefore, from the Chairman of the NMC, Mr Kabral Blay-Amihere, to FM radio stations to realise at all times the impact of the spoken word and ensure that the airwaves are not used to foment discord and disunity in the country must be taken very seriously by members of the inky fraternity.
In a speech read on his behalf by Mr Elvis Aryeh, a member of the NMC, at the launch of the 10th anniversary of Adom FM in Accra last Tuesday, the NMC chairman noted that what was said on the airwaves should promote peace and not instability, rancour and bitterness.
Again, we remind journalists and commentators on radio and other medium of communication to play down the over-politicisation of issues and focus more on education, health and the economy.
The Daily Graphic reminds journalists that the public has the right to factual, accurate, balanced and fair reportage, which is the objective of good journalism.
We can help society to make progress and avoid inflaming passions if media practitioners refrain from publishing inaccurate and misleading information.
Let all journalists devote their contents to healthy discourse to encourage national unity, integration and development.