Gayheart Mensah and Media Experts Urge Ghanaian Journalists to Prioritize Ethics and Verification Over Breaking News Speed

At a symposium organized by the Media Research Institute (MRI Ghana), media consultant and Deputy CEO of the Food and Drugs Authority, Gayheart Mensah, issued a strong call for journalists to prioritize ethical standards, rigorous verification, and accountability. Amid the mounting pressure to break news first in a digital-first environment, Mensah emphasized that the integrity of the profession depends on accuracy rather than speed. He warned against the growing trend of assuming information is correct simply because it is widely circulated on social media platforms, advocating instead for a more critical examination of sources and evidence.

During his address, Mensah highlighted the potential for unverified allegations to cause irreparable damage to individuals and organizations. He urged reporters to critically evaluate their sources and the evidence provided before publication. A key component of this ethical framework, he noted, is the necessity of providing affected parties with a fair opportunity to respond to claims made against them. The symposium underscored that the rush to capture audience attention must not come at the expense of professional scrutiny or the fundamental principles of fairness and balance in reporting.

The event also featured insights from other prominent media scholars and leaders, including Professor Amin Alhassan, Director-General of the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC), and Professor Audrey Gadzekpo of the University of Ghana. Professor Alhassan discussed the dual nature of digital media, noting that while it offers new tools for information dissemination, it also creates significant ethical dilemmas for modern newsrooms. Professor Gadzekpo echoed these sentiments, urging journalists to move beyond merely circulating existing information and instead focus on original verification and maintaining proportionality in their reporting.

The consensus among the participants was a call for Ghanaian media houses to uphold rigorous editorial standards even as they adapt to technological advancements. The discussions concluded that human judgment and adherence to professional codes of conduct remain essential safeguards against the pitfalls of the digital age. By fostering a culture of accountability and implementing strict editorial checks, the Ghanaian media can ensure it remains a credible source of information and continues to serve the public interest effectively.