Editor of the Informer Newspaper, Andy Kankam, has called on the National Media Commission (NMC) and Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) to keenly monitor and ensure media platforms practice and adhere to journalistic standards.
According to him, these bodies should not wait for untoward acts to get out of hand before they react.
“I appeal to the NMC and GJA not to wait for a radio station to be closed down because of something someone said on their platform before they come to say things. There are times people make irresponsible comments and say things not worth repeating. I say the NMC and GJA must monitor all media platforms to ensure they don’t engage in vituperation and assassination of character, especially on television,” he submitted in the Editor’s Take edition of the Happy Morning Show with Samuel Eshun.
He charged the two bodies to ensure that media platforms in the name of media freedom do not focus on, and promote insults. “It is just bad this is happening. Politicians now own radio stations and are promoting the agenda of their various political parties and sadly, it is all about insults.”
Founder and Leader of United Progressive Party, Akwasi Addai ‘Odike’, has incurred the wrath of Manhyia Palace in Kumasi for his comments on the role of chiefs in illegal mining.
The businessman turned politician was guest on Kumasi-based Oyerepa FM, where he unequivocally criticised the chiefs for failing to help end the galamsey menace.
He is also accused of inciting the youth to rise up and demonstrate against chiefs if they fail to come clear on their roles in or stance against illegal mining.
The chiefs considering his words as disrespectful also went ahead to close down Oyerepa FM for providing Odike their platform to make such distasteful comments.
Andy Kankam admitting Odike’s actions were wrong, also appealed to the Chiefs of Ashanti region to rather engage relevant authorities with supervisory roles over the media when similar incidents occur.
