Inaccurate reportage unethical-Blewu

Mr. Bright Blewu, General Secretary of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) has said inaccurate reportage, disregard for societal norms and other unethical behaviour were having negative effects on journalism and the GJA as a whole. He said the criticisms and the frequent calls for a stiffer law to punish journalists should remind journalists that they are accountable. Mr. Blewu said these at a day's seminar organised jointly by the Western Regional branch of the GJA and the Ethics and Disciplinary Council (EDC) for journalists and selected radio presenters in the Shama Ahanta East Metropolis and sponsored by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). It was on the theme: "The Role of Ethics in Journalism". He said journalists could improve their performance by abiding by the code of ethics of the profession and through further education. Mr. Blewu said media accountability formed part of the country's democratic governance and reminded the media to be fair, objective and neutral in the discharge of their duties. He said the media was vital and should continue to contribute towards the growth and sustenance of the country's democratic process. Mr. Blewu reminded radio presenters not to engage in provocative, tribal or ethnic programmes that could lead to conflicts and abuses. Dr. Anthony Bonnah Koomson, Chairman of the GJA EDC, speaking on the "GJA Code, and Common Ethical Violations said the code of ethics must be learnt by all journalists and they should abide by them. He said journalism forms part of good governance and there should be no attempt to license journalists before they practice. "Once journalists licensed, the freedom and independence of the media would be curtailed and manipulation of the media would be easier," he stressed. Dr. Bonnah Koomson reminded journalists to be professional by being thorough in their works to prevent the public from "unnecessarily criticising the journalist". He said journalists must have a value for themselves to enable them to court the respect of others. Dr. Bonnah-Koomson said the frequent display of partisan ideas and opinions by some journalist's exposes their neutrality. Journalism should be all-inclusive and must not ignore or deprive sections of the public access to the media. Dr. Bonnah-Koomson said, "under-cover" journalism must be in the national interest, should not endanger the life of another person and should be done if there is no other way. Mrs. Marian Kyei, a member of the EDC reminded journalists not to abuse or violate rules that could endanger them. She said advertisements placed in children's programmes should be carefully monitored to prevent the children from exploitation and deception. Mrs. Kyei said the content of some children's programmes needs special attention to safeguard the morality of children. She reminded journalists that the National Media Commission (NMC) exists to assist in the settlement of disputes but when journalists ignore them, they could be prosecuted in court.
Mrs Kyei urged all journalists to support the NMC and the GJA to achieve its respective goals of improving journalism standards and professional competencies. Mr. Emmanuel Dentu, Deputy Chairman of the EDC said good taste and decency should be the hallmark of every radio station presenter. He said presently, the use and promotion of obscene songs and language on some radio stations needs to be checked. Mr. Dentu said self-regulation and good sense was needed by all to check obscenity in whatever form. He reminded broadcast journalists to be sensitive to the audience, while monitoring and supervision should become part of every media organisation. Mr. Dentu suggested that private radio stations should dismiss its incompetent staff to avoid lawsuits.GNAGAN/REA18 Dec. 06

NDC Congress will be smooth and peaceful -

The National Democratic Congress (NDC) on Monday said intelligence information gathered suggested that some non-party elements were planning to foment trouble at its Delegates Congress to be held from December 20 to December 22. A statement issued in Accra and signed by Mr Johnson Asiedu-Nketiah, General Secretary of NDC, said some people who did not belong to the Party had planned to "infiltrate the ranks of the Party members with the aim to create confusion at the Congress”. It is intended to drag the name of NDC into the mud and portray it as a violent party in the eyes of the electorate. It said the NDC was also aware that some journalists of some radio stations have been recruited to blow trivial issues out of proportions just to cause panic and instigate violent reactions from supporters of aspirants. "We appeal to these journalists not to engage in such diabolical act and hope that station managers and presenters will verify complaints and reports from their reporters and callers before broadcasting. "We hope that these efforts would not only ensure a successful NDC congress but also deepen the country's growing democracy," the statement said. It said the National Planning Committee of the Party wished to advise all such detractors, who have the intention of creating violence to disrupt the congress to stay away. The statement said the Party had informed the security agencies about the issue adding that adequate measures had been taken to guarantee the safety of all members. In another development following a meeting the NDC had with the Police Administration on Monday, the Police would be in full control of security at the Congress.GNA

Armed robbery rate drops

Crime statistics indicate that armed robberies have decreased dramatically in the last quarter of this year as compared to last year, the Police confirmed on Monday.The downward trend has been the result of a number of proactive measures put in place by the Police administration.Mr. Albert Kan Dapaah, Minister of the Interior, Minister for National Security, Mr Francis Poku and Mr Isaac Boafo, Deputy Minister of Defence confirmed this when they took turns to address an emergency National Police Commanders Conference in Accra.Mr. Patrick Acheampong, Inspector General of Police said the meeting was to review plans agreed upon in the year and exchange ideas on ways to make the fight against violent crimes more effective.He said, "It is now evident that, we now have a relatively calm nation where most regions experience little or no violent crimes for long periods, compared to the peak period between 1997 and 2001 when violent crimes particularly armed robberies were rampant and common throughout the country".He said, despite the relative calm, areas like Accra, Tema and Kumasi still experienced pockets of violent crimes, hence the meeting. Mr. Acheampong said both operational and administrative concerns would be considered to enablethe police to render greater service of satisfaction to Ghanaians. Giving the overview, Dr. Kofi Kesse Manfo, Deputy Inspector General of Police in-charge of Operations said in 2005, 1,399 robberies were recorded nationwide, of which Greater Accra and Ashanti Regions recorded over 77 percent, while the rest were recorded in the other eight regions."A comparison of monthly statistics for the years 2005 and 2006 shows a substantial reduction in cases recorded in the first two months and the last quarter of 2006."The first two months showed reduction of 13.3 per cent and 45.2 per cent respectively over those of 2005."Dr Manfo said between March and August this year, there were substantial increases over those of 2005, while the September to November figures for 2006 reduced to an aggregate of 37.4 per cent. He said the Police would not relax on its oars but institute measures like public education, intelligence gathering, cultivation of informants, neighbouring watch on criminals, and selective swoops, among others, to check crime.He said, apart from reinforcing those measures, Regional, Divisional and District Commanders were charged to put in place extra measures to check criminal activities. Dr Manfo said additionally, Police had set up some barriers to make them more operational, whilst patrols were mounted at sensitive installations.He said the Police would continue to seek public assistance in curbing robberies by offering reliable information about suspects and known criminals.In his remarks Mr. K an Dapaah said in spite of the cocaine saga and the shooting incidents at Dansoman and Kotobabi the Police had emerged strongly and commended the Inspector General of Police for his performances up to date.He said as the country approaches the New Year, new challenges might emerge and the Police should wake up to the occasion. Mr. Kan Dapaah said though robbery levels had come down there was the need to educate the public on perception crime in ccordance with the statistics. He said government acknowledged the difficulties the Police faced in terms of logistics and would work to resource the service.Mr. Poku said the challenges were prelude to success adding, "I believe the IGP is capable to handle the security of the state". He said National Security would continue to support the Police with all the intelligence, especially with the approach to the Golden Jubilee anniversary and other major conferences Ghana was to host next year. Mr. Boafo acknowledged the efforts of the Police to maintain law and order despite its logistical constraints, adding that the security agencies would continue to collaborate in the combat against crime.
Source:GNA

Ghana needs leaders with character capacities

The Chairman of Databank, Mr. Ken Ofori Atta on Saturday said Ghana needs leaders with character capacities to persevere and move the country forward.It is through character that enabling virtues and integrity, humility excellence and selfless service into our lives and community are engendered, he said.Mr. Ofori Atta was addressing the 2006 year graduates of Ashesi University College at the occasion in Accra.It was the second graduating class since the establishment of the University during which 31 students undertook courses in Computer Science and Business Administration He said character was crucial because "it empowers our capacities while keeping them in check. It differentiates those who abuse power and those who steward it."He said the leadership crisis in Africa and for that matter, Ghana remains quite grave and that this era requires inspired leadership to move the country forward.Mr. Ofori Atta urged the graduates to take advantage of the economic stability the country was enjoying and deploy the software of scholarship the university had given them "to engage our society in order to rebuild the economy, strengthen the moral character of our nation and to clearly define and establish a collectively owned vision of a good society." You are to think through your society's intractable problems and solve them as it is captured in Ashesi's crest: Scholarship, Leadership and Citizenship" he added.He said the graduates are to accelerate with boldness our journey to a middle-income country and are capable to straddle the complex demand of globalisation with the realization of the good society for Ghana @50 years.Dr. Patrick Awuah, founder and President of the University on the occasion said each of the graduates were product of a distinctive educational experience that compels them to be analytical, to be unafraid of ambiguity, and to hold firm to the highest standards of personal and academic conduct.Dr. Awuah said the process of learning about the universe and the human condition was the very foundation upon which truly inspired leadership was built, adding, "the search for new insights about our world is the basis for wisdom, and as such is a necessary condition for great leadership and meaningful citizenship." He said that the ability to be an effective leader would depend on personal attributes such as integrity, compassion and commitment. He therefore, urged the graduands to hold fast to the values they have learnt as they go out into the world of work and rise to the occasion when leadership was thrust upon them. 16 Dec. 06
Source:GNA