30th GJA Awards: Professional journalism key to combating misinformation in digital age – Dr. Asiama

Bank of Ghana Governor Dr. Johnson Pandit Asiama has underscored the importance of professional journalism in helping the public distinguish facts from falsehood amid the growing spread of misinformation, disinformation and hate speech in the digital age.

He said although digital platforms had created new opportunities for citizens to participate in public discussions and share information, they had also made it easier for misleading information and online abuse to circulate.

Speaking at the 30th Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) Media Awards on Saturday, November 7, 2026, Dr. Asiama said professional journalism remained essential to protecting informed public discourse and strengthening democratic principles.

“Professional journalism serves as society’s compass. It helps citizens distinguish facts from falsehood, evidence from speculation, and informed analysis from sensationalism,” he said.

He described journalists as guardians of public discourse, saying their work was important in promoting social unity and encouraging well-informed discussions.

“As guardians of public discourse, journalists are essential for building social unity, encouraging well-informed discussions, and safeguarding democratic principles,” he added.

Dr. Asiama noted that technological advancements had transformed how information was created, distributed and consumed, presenting both opportunities and challenges for the media industry.

He identified misinformation, disinformation, online abuse, misleading data and hate speech among the challenges confronting the digital information environment.

The Governor’s remarks highlight the continuing importance of accuracy, verification and responsible reporting as news consumption increasingly takes place through digital platforms.

For journalists, the challenge extends beyond reporting breaking developments to ensuring that information reaching the public is credible, balanced and supported by evidence.

Dr. Asiama congratulated the GJA for sustaining its annual awards programme, describing it as an important tradition for recognising excellence and promoting higher professional standards in the media industry.

His address was delivered under the theme, “Celebrating Excellence, Advancing Media Freedom and Combating Hate Speech in the Digital Age”.