Ghanaian journalists told to protect integrity

Koforidua, June 10, GNA - Mr Ahmed Baba Jamal, Deputy Information Minister, on Wednesday, urged journalists in the country to do everything possible to protect their integrity in the execution of their duties.

He emphasized that, if journalists undermined their integrity, it would go a long way to affect the country negatively; adding that, they should ensure their actions benefited the nation in a positive way.

"All what you have is your integrity and if you lose it, that is the end of you" he pointed out.

Mr Baba Jamal said this in Koforidua, when he met with media personnel in the Eastern Region, as part of his nation-wide tour to promote the creation of a data base of all districts in the country, which could be accessed for any information about any district in the country on the internet.

He advised media personnel not to allow their platforms to be misused by unprofessional and un-courteous politicians, saying that, they should not go in for money or favour, which may compel them to sell their conscience.

Mr Baba Jamal also entreated journalists to be professional in their reportage so as not to fall prey to politicians.

"If you are professional, no politician can use you to promote himself any how; if you allow a politician to use you, he will use you as long as he has use for you. Do not let money take your integrity" he cautioned.

He called on media persons to use their respective medium to criticize professionally and also commend where appropriate.

"Let us move Ghana to the best point that we can so that the next generations can benefit from it."

Mr Baba Jamal urged journalists to seize any opportunity to upgrade themselves, adding that, 93humility and honesty are necessary ingredients in leadership" and should be exhibited by them.

Mr Ebenezer Terlabi, Deputy Eastern Regional Minister, advised the journalists to protect and project Ghana in their reportage and also ensure that the Better Ghana Agenda succeeded.

He entreated them to be mindful of their choice of language and to take themselves out of the news they report.