By Regina Benneh
Sunyani, May 7, GNA – Nana Kwaku Kumi, a legal practitioner has expressed worry that the media is not using the Right to Information (RTI) law, despite the resources invested in the passage of the law.
He said the law had made it easier for the media to access information from public institutions to aid their work, however, journalists and media practitioners were not leveraging on that and asked the media to use the law effectively.
Mr Kumi was speaking at a forum organised by the Bono, Bono East, and Ahafo Regional chapter of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) to mark the 2025 celebration of the World Press Freedom Day in Sunyani. It was on the theme: “Overcoming barriers to accessing information in the age of Artificial Intelligence (AI)”.
“Only few journalists attempt to obtain information through the use of the law. Others even give up easily whenever they face some challenges in using the law,” he said.
Mr Kumi explained that there were established processes for requesting information through the law, however there were also exempted information such as issues relating to national security, safety, public morality, and public order.
Nana Kumi emphasised that freedom of expression was a fundamental right conferred on all citizens, as enshrined in the constitution and it enables journalists to discharge their duties responsibly and effectively.
He said the use of AI had numerous benefits, including filtering information, reducing errors, and ensuring accuracy however, cautioned the media against sensationalism in the use of AI.
“AI can also prioritize sensational or financially profitable content over newsworthy or public interest content, undermining media pluralism and quality journalism,” he added.
Nana Kumi said overcoming barriers in accessing information in the age of AI required a multifaceted approach of diverse search tools and urged the media to abreast themselves with those tools.
He also cautioned the media against the use of AI in generating and spreading fake news, misinformation, and disinformation, saying the same AI could also help enhance access to information, promote quality journalism, and contribute to a more informed society.
The Very Reverend Dr Solomon Bruce, the Synod Secretary of the Sunyani Methodist Diocese urged the media to be wary of the temptation to “sell their integrity to politicians,” that could undermine their profession, urging practitioners to remain steadfast and adhere to ethical standards.
GNA
DEN/LAA