General News of Wednesday, 7 December 2011

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Editorial: The True Statesman Is Born!

Today, the first ever copy of the True Statesman newspaper is out and our mission is to espouse brave journalism, stand up for those too feeble to stand up for themselves, locked horns with the high and mighty so swollen with power and arrogance that they have forgotten their roots, expose corruption and the waste of your hard-earned tax rupees, and make sure that whatever the propaganda of the day, you would be allowed to hear a contrary view. For this, we are prepared to pay any price, just to help the public in Ghana and beyond have access to proper, balanced and informed opinion of events.

The free media serves as a mirror in which the public can see itself. From us you’ll learn the state of your nation, and especially its management by the people you elected to give your children a better future. Sometimes the image you see in that mirror is not a pleasant one. But while you may grumble in the privacy of your armchair, the journalists who hold the mirror up to you do so publicly and at great risk to themselves. That is our calling, and we will never shirk it.

Every newspaper has its angle, and we will not hide the fact that we have ours. Our commitment is to see Ghana as a transparent, secular, liberal democracy.

Think about those words, for they each has profound meaning. Transparent because government must be openly accountable to the people, and never abuse their trust. Secular because in a multi-ethnic and multi-cultural society such as ours, secularism offers the only common ground by which we might all be united. Liberal because we recognize that all human beings are created different, and we need to accept others for what they are and not what we would like them to be. And democratic... well, if you need us to explain why that is important, you'd best stop buying this paper.

The True Statesman will never seek safety by unquestioningly articulating the majority view. Let's face it, that is the way to sell newspapers. On the contrary, our opinion pieces will amply demonstrate our commitment to ideas that many people will find distasteful.

But there is a calling that is yet above high office, fame, lucre and security. It is the call of conscience, and that is our guiding principle and watchword.

The True Statesman will offer Ghanaians the opportunity that they have never experienced in the history of journalism in their great nation because they will always say it like we see it: whether it be a spade, a druggist, a thief or a murderer, we will call it by that name. We will not hide behind euphemism and will also not compromise on our watch -dog role.

You can count on the team at The True Statesman for un-censored reporting, fearless media practice, comprehensive news coverage, unrivaled ethical standard and watchdog journalism!

As our motto explains, we “FEAR NOTHING”, and you can expect nothing but up-to-the-minute investigative journalism!

The True Statesman

Your comment/contributions are welcome via info@thetruestatesman.org