The Kenyasihene in the Kwabre Municipality of the Ashanti Region, Barima Fredua Agyeman Ababio II, has made a passionate appeal to media practitioners across the country to be very circumspect in their reportage.
According to him, the need for a fair and accurate reportage by the media cannot be overemphasised.
Barima Fredua Agyeman Ababio II speaking at the ceremony
Barima Ababio II made the appeal during the Thanksgiving & Get-together ceremony of the Ashanti Regional Ghana Journalists Association (GJA).
The Kenyasihene, who was the chairperson for the ceremony held at Longford Event Centre at Kwadaso on Friday, 7th March 2025, commended Ghanaian journalists, especially those in the Ashanti Region, for their committed contributions to the development of Asanteman and the country as a whole.
He said, “You (journalists) are our key partners in development and no success can be achieved without your support. It is, therefore, very important that you don’t allow people to use your medium to tarnish the reputation of others, especially politicians and nananom.
“I’m calling on you to always verify your pieces of information before going on air to publish them. Asanteman and Ghana need you, so please be circumspect in your reportage in all your endeavours.”
Barima Ababio II encouraged the media to have the country at heart and always cross-check their information or facts before publishing them.
Besides, he advised the media to always give a fair and balanced reportage. “Don’t rush to publish your stories and turn back to render apologies and retractions,” he added.
He stressed the need for media practitioners to unite and plan for their future. “We have you in mind because your role in development, especially in Ashanti and the country as a whole, cannot be underestimated,” he pointed out.
He seized the opportunity to invite the media to his Easter Homecoming which is geared towards the construction of an ultramodern market for the community.
On his part, the Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr. Frank Amoakohene, also commended the media in the region for their contribution to peace and the growth of the country.
He promised to work hand in hand with the media towards the development of Asanteman.
The Minister also stressed the need for the media to be guided by the ethics of their profession.
The Ashanti Regional Chairman of the GJA, Mr. Kingsley E. Hope, used the occasion to renew his call for justice for all media personnel who were attacked during the Ashanti Regional Council of State election.
He thanked the stakeholders for their continued support for the Association. He acknowledged the key support of the
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Kofi Job Construction; Lawyer Justin Frimpong Kodua, the General Secretary of NPP; and Chairman Odeneho Kwaku Appiah, aka COKA.
The GJA Chairman gave special thanks to Dr. Amoakohene for his participation and donation, including the support of other stakeholders.
