Head of News and Current Affairs at Adom Brands, Multimedia Group Ltd., Martha Crensil Acquah, has asserted that the vital role of journalists in promoting truth, accountability, and democracy is often misunderstood and undervalued.
Speaking in an interview, Martha stressed the need for stronger protection and support for journalists in Ghana, noting that misconceptions continue to undermine the importance of their work.
“There has always been some negativity and misconceptions about journalists and the work we do,” she said. “But journalists play a very vital role and must be seen as very important.”
She highlighted the critical role journalists play in uncovering hidden truths, exposing corruption, and bringing to light issues that would otherwise remain unknown to the public.
“The work of the journalist is important at all costs. What is hidden, what is unknown, what is uncovered — all of this is revealed by journalists. If not for them, there would be total darkness about what is happening around us,” she emphasized.
“It means that if journalists are silenced, corruption and other wrongdoings in government and society will go unheard.”
Martha called on stakeholders — including the government, civil society, and the general public — to take proactive steps to ensure the safety of journalists.
“If there is something the public, government, and relevant stakeholders can do, they must do it to protect journalists,” she added. “The media must be safe, because once we are not safe, we cannot give our best.”
She also made a direct appeal to citizens, urging them to view journalists as partners rather than adversaries.
“If you see any media person or journalist anywhere, you must protect them at all costs,” she urged.
Martha warned that the absence of journalism would create a dangerous vacuum, depriving society of vital news and truths that directly affect daily life.
Her concerns were echoed by the President of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), Albert Dwumfour, who recently condemned an attack on a journalist, describing it as a grave threat to press freedom.
“The safety of journalists in Ghana is under serious threat,” Dwumfour stated. “This disturbing trend undermines confidence in our democracy.”
Other journalists also expressed frustration over the lack of respect for their profession.
“Journalists must be seen and treated with the same respect we give to judges, politicians, and other key professionals,” one journalist said.
He cited a recent Adom News report that exposed a hospital forced to use flashlights due to a lack of electricity. Following the broadcast, the facility received immediate attention and power was restored.
“This is the impact journalism can have. Without our report, that hospital would still be in the dark,” he stated.
The call is clear: for journalism to thrive and democracy to function, the safety and integrity of journalists must be prioritized and respected by all.
— Jagri Boaz Binyinjom
ALSO READ:
