The Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA), in collaboration with the Private Newspapers and Online News Publishers Association of Ghana (PRINPAG), is set to unveil a new Code of Ethics designed to guide the operations of its members.
The launch is scheduled for Thursday, October 17, 2024, in Accra and will feature discussions centred on the critical importance of ethical journalism in the context of Ghana’s upcoming general elections.
This was contained in a press statement issued and signed by the Executive Secretary of PRINPAG, Jeorge Wilson Kingson.
This initiative falls under MFWA’s project “Promoting Fact-Based and Critical Reporting in Ghana’s Electioneering Processes through Public Interest and Accountability,” funded by DW Akademie.
The project aims to enhance the quality of journalism as the country prepares for its general elections set for December 2024.
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The launch event will convene a broad range of stakeholders, including journalists, editors, civil society organizations, regulatory bodies, and representatives from the donor community.
They will discuss the pivotal role ethical journalism plays in upholding democracy in an era characterized by rampant misinformation and sensationalism, particularly as online news platforms proliferate.
Mr. George Sarpong, Executive Secretary of the National Media Commission (NMC), will preside over the launch of the Code of Ethics, which has been revised to meet contemporary standards and now includes provisions tailored for online publishers within the Association.
As Ghana gears up for the elections, PRINPAG recognizes that the demand for responsible and fact-based reporting is more critical than ever.
The rise of citizen journalism, facilitated by online media, presents both opportunities and challenges. In light of this, the new Code of Ethics aims to address the pressing need for professionalism and accuracy in journalism.
“In this critical election year, the media’s responsibility cannot be overstated,” said Jeorge Wilson Kingson. “Our updated Code of Ethics is designed to ensure that journalists remain committed to truth, transparency, and professionalism elements that are essential for ensuring peaceful and credible elections.
The launch marks a pivotal moment in reinforcing the role of private newspapers and online news publishers in advancing ethical journalism.”
The statement concluded that the event will also serve as a forum for participants to engage in conversations about best practices in fact-checking and critical reporting, equipping journalists with the necessary tools to uphold high standards of professionalism in their work.
