By Benard Worlali Awumee
Anloga (V/R), May 4 (GNA) — Mr Emmanuel Agbaxode, immediate past Chairman of the Volta /Oti Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), has cautioned journalists against publishing unverified information, warning such actions could attract legal consequences, including imprisonment.
He gave the warning during the launch of an online media platform, Volta Joy TV, over the weekend in Akatsi.
Mr Agbaxode noted that the rapid expansion of social media had significantly lowered the barriers to content creation and information dissemination, effectively turning many individuals into publishers regardless of their professional training.
While acknowledging the opportunities presented by digital platforms, he expressed concern about the increasing spread of misinformation and unverified reports.
He particularly criticised the growing tendency among media practitioners to prioritise speed over accuracy in news reporting.
“Speed is not journalism; speed is not practice. Every media practitioner must value the importance of adhering to established ethical standards within the profession,” Mr Agbaxode stated.
According to him, every published story carries potential consequences for individuals and institutions, as reputations are often at stake.
He therefore urged journalists to exercise due diligence by thoroughly verifying facts before publication and to place a premium on accuracy rather than immediacy.
Mr Agbaxode further encouraged media professionals to continuously upgrade their knowledge and skills to strengthen their capacity and uphold the core principles of ethical journalism.
The Chairman for the event, Mr Thomas Clarkson Adade, a lecturer at Ho Technical University and Board Chairman of Avenor Community Bank PLC, also reiterated the call for professionalism.
He urged practitioners to remain guided by ethical standards and to promote responsible journalism in an era of rapid information dissemination.
GNA
Edited by Maxwel Awumah/Audrey Dekalu