Without the media, there is no democracy – Major (rtd) Don-Chebe

Major (rtd) Albert Don-Chebe, former Director-General of the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC), has described the media as the foundation of democracy because it safeguards and promotes democratic governance and accountability.

“For those of us for whom free speech is so critical, we understand that without the media, there is no democracy, and the health of any democracy can be determined from how free the media in that society is”, he explained.

Major Don-Chebe said this at the second edition of the Upper West Regional Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) Awards ceremony held in Wa at the weekend.

The ceremony, held under the theme “Upholding Media Excellence: Promoting Ethical Journalism, Accountability, and Regional Development”, recognised seven outstanding journalists and media practitioners for their contributions to the profession's growth.

They were: Philip Tengzu of the Ghana News Agency; Ibrahim Muniru, Radio Mak; Ayamga Bawa Fatawu, a Freelance Journalist; Rafiq Nungor Adam, Channel 247; Ibrahim Abubakari Wangara, Media General; Gladys Wein Kitty, GBC Radio Upper West; and Kwadwo Baffoe Donkor of Daily Graphic.

Major Don-Chebe, who chaired the event, expressed concern about Ghana’s ranking on the media freedom index, but added that media freedom in the country was gradually improving.

“I am looking forward to us coming down to the high heights that we achieved some ten years or so ago when we were counted among the first 25 countries with the freest media in the world”, he stated.

He said initiatives such as the awards ceremony provided an important platform to appreciate, acknowledge and motivate journalists to remain committed to their professional responsibilities.

Mr Dominic Hlordzi, the General Secretary of the GJA, who represented the GJA President at the event, observed that awards ceremonies were important instruments for promoting excellence, encouraging healthy competition and raising professional standards within the media.

He said recognising outstanding journalists was consistent with the Association’s aim of promoting professionalism and rewarding responsible, ethical, impactful and development-oriented journalism and commended the leadership of the Association in the region for the initiative.

Mr Hlordzi stressed the need for journalism to transcend reporting events to highlighting the concerns, aspirations and development priorities of communities.

He urged journalists in the region to intensify reportage on critical sectors, including education, healthcare, agriculture, infrastructure, sanitation, youth development and tourism, to draw national attention to the region’s development needs and opportunities.

“Let us tell the stories that matter, expose the challenges that require urgent attention and spotlight initiatives that are transforming lives”, Mr Hlordzi indicated.

He further called on journalists to use their platforms to amplify the concerns of underrepresented communities and ensure that duty-bearers addressed issues affecting their welfare.