Ushering in the golden age of journalism in Ghana

Thirty-one prominent Ghanaians have recently been appointed as Board members for the four state-owned media establishments;  the New Times Corporation, the Ghana News Agency (GNA), the Graphic Communications Group Limited and the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC).

This is a statutory requirement according to Article 168 of Ghana’s 1992 Constitution which states that the National Media Commission “shall appoint the chairmen and other members of the governing bodies of public corporations managing the state-owned media in consultation with the President”.  Dr. Doris Dartey chairs the Graphic  Board, while Prof. Omane Antwi chairs the New Times Board.   The GNA Board is chaired by Mr. Reginald Laryea and Mr. Richard Kwame Asante chairs the GBC Board.  We have come a long way from the time when governments did this exercise arbitrarily.

These ladies and gentlemen, with varied professional backgrounds are to serve for two years.  While saying “Ayekoo” to previous Board members, we give “Our Best Wishes” to the new members in their assignment.   May they do well for the sake of Mother Ghana.

Throughout the world, Journalism is considered very essential in democratic practice as it helps to reach the majority of citizens with information. Beside informing, the media also educates and entertains.

These functions are expected to help and facilitate development and bring great benefits to the majority of Ghanaians. Through the media governments are kept on their toes and anti-social activities are curtailed through their watch-dog role.   “The price of freedom is eternal vigilance”, we are told.   It was also once said that, “The pen is mightier than the sword”. Can this be said of the media in Ghana today?  Where are the men and women of the Fourth Estate of the Realm to set the agenda and move us beyond our dreams?

Journalism has been practised in Ghana for many decades long before the Daily Graphic came on the scene in 1950.

The electronic media has been around for seventy eight years now, with the establishment of Radio ZOY in 1935. It later became the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation. Television was introduced in Ghana  by GBC in 1965.  The progress of the Journalism profession in Ghana has been thwarted over the years.

Its progress may have been tied to the socio-economic and political fortunes of the country.   The media played very pivotal role during the struggle for independence.   Drs.  J.B. Danquah and Kwame Nkrumah and many others used the pen to break down the citadel of colonialism. Others like Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, first President of Nigeria and Bankole Timothy of Sierra Leone practised journalism in Ghana as far back as 1935.

However just as multi-party was not made to grow in the first Republic, so media pluralism was not made to survive during that era. The media did not fare any better during other dispensations till Ghana entered the current Fourth Republic which has seen the media flourishing again. Times have indeed changed for Ghana as a nation and globally too.   Technological advancement has affected the media for better or for worse. The Internet for instance is now a major player in the media scene in Ghana and globally.

Private print and electronic media now abound in Ghana.  They do compete favourably with the state-owned media. This current situation has ensured that information to the public is not always biased in favour of the government of the day.  One other major benefit is the creation of jobs.

Previously journalists had to compete for employment only in the few vacancies which existed in the state media.  Editors and some senior journalists were easily thrown out of office or manipulated by the ruling government. Some were even sometimes detained under horrible conditions and they eventually died through such treatment.  It is believed “Free Press” staff, Tommy Thompson and John Kugblenu were victims of such conditions.  They fought very hard and sacrificed their lives. Some other journalists who felt threatened or were uncomfortable with the situation either fled out of the country or went into other vocations like Public Relations and business.  All such conditions virtually killed journalism in Ghana.

Some Ghanaian journalists are doing very well outside Ghana and championing Pan-African aspirations. One can cite Baffuor Ankomah who is the Editor of “New African” and Jon Offei-Ansah who edits the “News Africa”, both UK-based. Veteran Ghanaian journalist, Cameron Duodu lives in the United Kingdom and contributes regularly to a column in the “Ghanaian Times” and other international media outlets including the BBC.  Steve Mallory edits “Africa Watch”, which is US-based.  It is to be noted that   Edward Boateng of the Global Media Alliance was involved in starting the annual CNN African Journalists of the Year competition.  Ghanaian journalists are yet to make their mark in this very prestigious competition.

In the twentieth year of the Fourth Republic and fifty-sixth year of Ghana’s independence, it can be appreciated that the Media in Ghana is making some progress.  There is still more to be done though.

The newly-created Boards should get to work immediately to build on the successes of the past. The National Media Commission with its Chairman, Ambassador and veteran journalist, Kabral Blay-Amihere, the Ghana Journalists Association with its President, Affail Monney and other bodies like the Editors Forum Ghana with Chairperson, Ajoa Yeboah-Afari are all around to help. We cannot forget the place of the National Communications Authority and the Ghana Independent Broadcasters Association in all this.

Let’s get it clear.”Wishes are not horses”  and things don’t just happen.   Many things may have been said and promises made at these inaugurations.  “It is easier said than done”, so goes the time-tested adage.  No time for complacency.  It is going to take more hard work on the part of all stakeholders to get the job done. This is our time. As the Romans of old said, “Carpe diem” (Seize the opportunity).

Let us rise up and play our part. The Boards should support Management to motivate and ensure high journalistic standards. The staff should have adequate training and good remuneration.   As these Board members dutifully play their part with the Management and staff,  it is to be hoped that journalism in Ghana would move to a higher pedestal and usher in the Golden Age of Ghana’s journalism.

PS:  This article is dedicated to all journalists and writers who have stood for truth, freedom and justice over the years. They include Prof. P.A.V. Ansah, Sam Arthur, Tommy Thompson, John Kugblenu, Angela Davis of USA and Ken Saro-Wiwa of Nigeria.

By Akwasi Agyeman-Dua

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