Kufour warns journalists against the use of freedom of the press to disrupt the governance process

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Former President John Agyekum Kufuor instructed journalists not to misinterpret the favorable climate of the media as an unfettered freedom to disrupt the governance process.

He added that, despite being considered the "fourth realm of the kingdom", media professionals should exercise their powers responsibly.

The former president wants the journalists "to recognize that this power has been obtained thanks to the growing confidence that the representatives of the people, both in the legislative and the executive power, are gaining in you".

Expressing at the launch of the 70^th The Ghana Journalists Association (KJA) anniversary in Kempinski, Accra, said on Tuesday that the Association should "ensure that no one in the profession takes for granted that nothing is endangered. to compromise and reverse the right balance established by law ".

Mr. Kufuor said the members of the inked fraternity should always remember that the abuses of the immense power of the press had led to the Rwandan genocide that had cost the lives of nearly a million people in 1994.

"This heartbreaking story about our continent reinforces the responsibilities of your profession. The GJA must monitor its members to ensure that the rights of individuals and the government are not unduly violated. Your badociation should be able to recruit its members who flout your ethics and your rules by invoking the necessary discipline, "said the former leader.

In dealing with corruption, he said the fight was still going on and that there was still a lot of work to be done to fight against wrongdoing in society.

He expects the media to play the role of watchdog of society and give accurate and accurate information when dealing with corrupt officials.

"You have to do your job in this area without fear, favoritism or partisanship," he said.

Mr. Kufuor urged journalists to be bold and humble enough to accept their shortcomings and apologize for false statements if, in the course of their duties, they made a mistake.

"That you, journalists of today, decided to conduct yourself in such an honorable way that the work of your ancestors and your ancestors would not have been in vain.

"You should contribute to the building of an Enlightenment society where democracy reigns and where people feel free to think and express themselves without fear of impunity, and where checks and balances between governors and the governed are guaranteed, "he said.

With regard to the current global phenomenon of false news and reports amplified by social media, the former president sees a serious challenge to the job of journalist.

"Your badociation should commit to counteract and filter these trends and their operators," he suggested.

Speaking about the murder of Ahmed Hussein-Suale, of Tiger-Eye, he stated that it was proof that "there are still dangers for your profession." The forces of darkness will try to continue to resist you as long as you dare to bring to light their evil, devilish and devastating activities. "

However, it encourages media professionals to dare "because your mission is to contribute to strengthening democracy, freedom and good governance for all our citizens! As the day overcomes darkness, your true efforts to search for truth will triumph over evil. "