At a joint press conference organised by the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) in partnership with Media Foundation West Africa (MFWA), Ghana Independent Broadcasters Association (GIBA), the Private Newspaper and Online News Publishers Association of Ghana (PRINPAG) and the New Media Association, it was highlighted that unethical behaviours undermine the integrity of the media industry and weaken public trust in news.

This call to action was prompted by remarks made by Blessed Godsbrain Smart, popularly known as “Captain Smart,” who referred to individuals planning to vote for New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the upcoming December elections as beasts.

Mr Albert Kwabena Dwumfour, President of the GJA, stated that the coalition had noted with concern the growing spate of breaches of responsible and professional media conduct in the country, adding that the GJA and GIBA code of conducts clearly spelt out the responsibilities of journalists and media practitioners in the execution of their roles and mandate.

For him, in spite of these professional codes, the coalition condemns in no uncertain terms, comments and pronouncements that had the potential to undermine Ghana’s peace and stability.

“We are of the view that being critical and holding leaders and government accountable to the people should not be conflated with spewing hate speech and insulting personalities,” he added.

Mr Dwumfour said the coalition was resolute in its defense of media freedom and free speech, and however cannot overlook unethical behaviour that brings the media profession into disrepute and undermine public trust in the media as an institution.

“We therefore condemn all unethical and reckless practice by any journalist. In this regard, we wish to remind and caution all journalists, media practitioners and organisations that the extent to which GJA, GIBA and PRINPAG together with MFWA and the New Media Association can defend media freedoms is very much dependent on how professionally and responsibly journalists, media practitioners and media organisations carry out their duties,” he added.

Citing the comments of Captain Smart describing NPP voters as beasts, he called on the board and management of Media General to take immediate action to mete out appropriate sanctions to Mr Smart.

This, he said, would not only serve as a deterrent to others, but also would enhance public confidence in the media organisation, as an organisation that detest unprofessional conduct.

The GJA President cautioned all journalists to be cautious of their utterances and reportage on their platforms to save the country from slipping on to the path of violence with its attendant consequences.

“It is important to note that this caution is not a gag on the right to free expression, given that there are decorous means and avenue for journalists and citizens to express their opinions loud and clear,” he stated.