By Vivian Amoah
The Secretary-General of the National Communications Authority (NCA), Rev. Ing. Edmund Yirenkyi Fianko, has called on journalists to uphold ethical standards as digital technology continues to transform the media landscape.
Speaking at the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) 77th anniversary symposium held at the British Council on August 19, 2026, he said journalism must continue to provide accurate information, hold power accountable, give voice to society and preserve a credible record of national life.
He noted that while digital platforms have expanded access to news and enabled journalists to reach wider audiences, they have also created challenges including misinformation, speed-driven reporting and the misuse of artificial intelligence.
According to him, journalists must prioritise accuracy, context, fairness, accountability and verification, stressing that “ethics determines whether that story deserves the public’s confidence.”
Rev. Fianko urged newsrooms to develop clear policies on the use of artificial intelligence, adding that AI should support rather than replace professional judgment. He said AI-generated or altered content should be disclosed, while human editorial responsibility must remain clear.
He also disclosed that more than 500 new telecommunications sites were being constructed in 2026, with several existing sites being upgraded to address concerns over poor network coverage and slow data services.
He further called for stronger cybersecurity in newsrooms and sustainable business models to support professional journalism.
Rev. Fianko reaffirmed the NCA’s commitment to working with the GJA to promote an accessible, resilient communications environment that supports Ghana’s democratic development.
He urged journalists to make public trust their most valuable currency, saying platforms, devices and business models may change, but the public’s need for accurate, fair and responsible journalism would remain.
