GJA expresses concern about "partisan" journalism

Accra, Dec. 21, GNA - The Ghana Journalist Association on Friday expressed concern about the emergence of a media fraternity in Kumasi reported to have endorsed the candidature of Mr Alan Kyeremanten, an aspiring flag bearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP).

A statement signed by Mr Dave Agbenu, Acting General Secretary of the Association, said the GJA was concerned about the current development between a group calling itself "Media Friends of Alan Kyeremanten" and the Ashanti Regional Branch of the GJA over the issue.

It called for hostilities to cease and advised all media practitioners to refrain from acts that would bring the noble profession of journalism into disrepute.

"Journalists are free to pursue their individual political agenda, but it will be wrong for such individuals to drag the entire media along their parochial political agenda."

The statement said such activity was clearly in breach of the code of ethics of the GJA on the "People's Right to True Information," and the tenets of the Press Law, which enjoined journalists to write and report the truth, be unbiased, accurate, balanced and to provide comprehensive information.

The statement also encouraged the media to stay focused and to promote media freedom and accountability by providing the people with facts to enable them make informed decisions in the run-up to Election 2008.

"The GJA will counsel members of the inky fraternity to take middle a course and to refrain from partisan positions in order to be fair to all persons, who need the media to advance their endeavours particularly in this instance for the New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearership contest and to allow the public to judge."

It further reminded journalists covering the NPP congress to exhibit the highest journalistic standards in their coverage and also urged them to be guided by the ethics of the profession, be fair balanced, non-partisan and also provide accurate reportage of proceedings at the congress.

The statement said fair and balance reportage had become imperative because of the sheer number of the candidates, which was unprecedented in the country's political history and the impact the distortion and sensationalism of events could have on the party and efforts to nurture democracy in the country.

The statement also urged the NPP leadership to create a congenial environment for journalists to carry out their legitimate and professional duties at the congress.