The President of the Private Newspapers and Online News Publishers Association of Ghana (PRINPAG), Andrew Edwin Arthur, has launched a new Code of Ethics aimed at enhancing ethical journalism in the country. Speaking at the launch event, Arthur emphasized the growing challenges facing the media, particularly in the digital age, where misinformation and blurred lines between news and opinion pose significant risks to the integrity of journalism.
Arthur lauded the Media Foundation for West Africa for its partnership in the initiative, which he described as essential to upholding principles such as truth, fairness, and accuracy. The revised Code of Ethics will serve as a guiding framework for PRINPAG members, with a focus on key areas such as fact-checking, combating misinformation, protecting sources, ethical use of social media, and maintaining transparency.
In his address, Arthur acknowledged the changing media landscape due to the digital revolution, but stressed that journalists must adhere to ethical standards to retain public trust and fulfill their role as watchdogs of society. He called on the government to support press freedom and media literacy, while also urging journalists to commit to ethical practices in their daily work.
The launch of the Code of Ethics marks a significant step forward for PRINPAG, as it seeks to ensure the future of ethical journalism in Ghana. Arthur also proposed a media forum to bring together local and international experts to address the challenges facing the media and to develop solutions for sustaining journalism’s relevance in the modern era.
The new Code is seen as a critical tool to safeguard the media’s role in Ghana’s democracy, ensuring that journalists continue to serve the public interest with professionalism and integrity.
