GJA Ashanti Chairperson: Journalists Must Prioritize Credibility and Protection for Ghana’s Progress

Introduction

In a compelling address at the OTEC School of Journalism and Communication Studies in Kumasi, GJA Ashanti Chairperson Kofi Adu Domfeh underscored the vital role of journalists in Ghana’s development. Speaking at the institution’s sixth congregation and matriculation rite, he stressed that journalists must prioritize credibility and protection to build public trust and foster national growth. As the Ashanti Regional Chairperson of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), Domfeh highlighted how an accountable, ethical, and trusted media serves as the cornerstone of policy-making, public discourse, and institutional strength. This event, attended by dignitaries, educators, parents, and students, marked the graduation of 45 students and the matriculation of 76 new entrants into the two-year diploma program in Communication Studies.

Why Media Credibility Matters in Ghana

The speech positions the media as Ghana’s most critical infrastructure for progress. Where information flows freely and responsibly, development follows, Domfeh noted. This aligns with the GJA’s mission to uphold journalistic standards, making it a key topic for aspiring journalists seeking to understand Ghana Journalists Association guidelines on ethics and safety.

Analysis

Kofi Adu Domfeh’s remarks provide a deep dive into the interplay between journalistic integrity, personal well-being, and national advancement. He argued that Ghana’s progress—often linked to investment and policy efficacy—depends on a media landscape guided by facts, professionalism, and ethics. In an era of misinformation challenges, his call for prioritizing credibility in journalism through rigorous fact-checking and verification resonates globally but is particularly urgent in Ghana’s dynamic media environment.

Media as a Catalyst for Development

Domfeh described the media as “the catalyst that makes these outcomes possible.” Ethical reporting builds citizen trust in institutions, essential for democratic stability. For instance, verified public interest stories shape discourse on governance, economy, and social issues, directly influencing venture and development initiatives in Ghana.

Journalist Protection and Sustainability

Equally emphasized was journalist protection and safety. Domfeh warned that burnout, intimidation, or neglect of mental health undermines the press’s mandate. A supported journalist delivers quality work, reinforcing the GJA’s advocacy for welfare in the Ashanti region and beyond.

Institutional Role of OTEC School

Praise for OTEC School highlighted its accredited curriculum, affiliated with Ghana’s Commission for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (CTVET). Principal Mathew Donkor affirmed its status as a leading training hub, blending theory with practical skills to produce a “future-ready media workforce.”

Summary

At the OTEC School’s sixth congregation and matriculation on November 28, 2025, GJA Ashanti Chairperson Kofi Adu Domfeh urged journalists to champion credibility via ethics and fact-checking while safeguarding their well-being against burnout and threats. He lauded the school’s training model and motivated graduates (45) and new students (76) to embody integrity, discipline, and humility. This address reinforces the Ghana Journalists Association’s commitment to a robust media ecosystem driving Ghana’s development.

Key Points

Practical Advice

Domfeh’s speech offers actionable guidance for journalists, especially young practitioners in Ghana. Here’s a pedagogical breakdown to build journalism credibility and protection skills:

Building Credibility Through Verification

Always cross-verify sources using multiple outlets, official records, and eyewitness accounts. Tools like fact-checking sites (e.g., Africa’s Check) enhance accuracy. Focus on public interest stories that inform without sensationalism, as Domfeh advised.

Safeguarding Journalist Protection

Adopt safety protocols: Use secure communication apps, report threats to GJA or police, and schedule breaks to prevent burnout. Mental health resources from organizations like the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) provide global best practices adaptable to Ghana.

Training and Discipline for Newcomers

New students at institutions like OTEC should cultivate curiosity through daily reading of diverse news, humility by seeking mentorship, and discipline via consistent ethical practice. Graduates: Anchor your career in public service, shaping Ghana’s narrative responsibly.

Enhancing Skills at OTEC-Like Programs

Enroll in accredited programs emphasizing hands-on training. OTEC’s model—practical skills plus academics—prepares for real-world challenges, aligning with GJA standards.

Points of Caution

While optimism abounds, Domfeh flagged risks that demand vigilance:

Burnout and Overwhelm

“You cannot give your best to society when you are overwhelmed,” he stated. Ghanaian journalists face long hours and digital pressures; monitor signs like fatigue and seek support early.

Intimidation and Safety Threats

Physical or online harassment erodes media freedom. GJA advocates reporting incidents, underscoring journalist protection in Ghana as non-negotiable.

Loss of Trust

Once eroded, credibility is “difficult to regain.” Avoid unverified claims; ethical lapses harm the profession’s reputation and national discourse.

Comparison

Domfeh’s emphasis on ethics mirrors global standards from bodies like the Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ), which prioritizes truth-seeking and minimizing harm. In Africa, similar calls come from the African Editors Forum, stressing verification amid misinformation.

GJA vs. International Journalism Bodies

The Ghana Journalists Association’s focus on regional chairs like Ashanti’s Domfeh enables localized advocacy, contrasting broader international groups. OTEC’s CTVET affiliation parallels vocational training in the UK’s NCTJ, ensuring employability.

Ghana Media Landscape

Ghana ranks high in press freedom (Reporters Without Borders 2023: 61st globally), but challenges like attacks persist, making Domfeh’s protection plea timely compared to stricter regimes elsewhere.

Legal Implications

No direct legal changes were proposed, but Domfeh’s speech aligns with Ghana’s 1992 Constitution (Article 162), guaranteeing press freedom while demanding responsibility. GJA codes enforce ethics, with violations potentially leading to professional sanctions. Journalist safety ties to the Whistleblower Act and anti-harassment laws, though enforcement varies. Aspiring reporters should study these via GJA resources for compliance.

Conclusion

Kofi Adu Domfeh’s address at OTEC School encapsulates the GJA Ashanti Chairperson’s vision: a media fortified by credibility, ethics, and protection drives Ghana’s future. By heeding his advice—fact-checking rigorously, prioritizing well-being, and embracing discipline—journalists can elevate public trust and national development. Institutions like OTEC, backed by GJA, are nurturing this talent pipeline. For Ghana’s media to thrive, every practitioner must commit to these principles, ensuring information empowers rather than divides.

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