Disabuse Your Minds From Misconception That Media Freedom Is Without Bonds- Asantehene To Journalists
The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei II, has issued a stern warning to journalists to disabuse their minds from the misconception that media freedom is without bonds.
Otumfuo Osei Tutu II said the laws of libel and defamation are alive adding there are still laws against incitement.
He made these comments in his address during the official opening of the Media Capacity Enhancement Program which was held at the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi on Monday, January 10
Asantehene noted that the greatest asset of every journalist is credibility and the credibility comes from the accuracy and fairness the information is presented.
“Journalists lose credibility if they present false information and journalism is not peddled in rumours, he indicated.
He stated that the core business of the media is to provide people with information that enable them to make decisions.
He said the press induces the feelings and emotions which contribute to the decisions and actions the individual takes.
Asantehene urged the media to never mind where the momentum of the politics will turn to.
“Just as the media helps people to make decisions, in a democracy it can also mobilize and arouse mob action to destabilize a country.”
Otumfuo Osei Tutu II affirmed that the media in Ghana can be said to be a major success story in the country’s journey to democratic governance.
To this end, the Asantehene emphasized that it’s his fervent hope the training will contribute to the enhancement of the media and diminish the source of concern.