A civil engineer, Mr. Emmanuel Boakye Fapem, has expressed grave concern over what he described as the growing erosion of professionalism and truthfulness in Ghana’s media landscape.
He warned that sensationalism and unethical reporting are fast undermining the country’s once-celebrated media freedom.
Mr Fapem raised the concern when addressing students at the 2025 Students’ Representatives Council (SRC) seminar of the Otec School of Journalism and Communication Studies in Kumasi on Tuesday, October 7.
Mr. Fapem, who is the CEO of Fapam Company Limited, said Ghanaian journalism risks losing its moral compass if practitioners continue to prioritise attention-grabbing headlines over factual accuracy.
“Our media, once the pride of Africa for its freedom and vibrancy, is gradually being eroded by sensationalism,” he lamented.
“Too often, headlines scream louder than the truth they claim to tell. Let us remember that truth, not traffic, should be the goal of journalism,” he added.
The engineer, who drew parallels between construction and journalism, urged the students to build their professional lives on solid ethical foundations.
“Just as Fapem Constructions builds strong foundations to withstand storms, so must you build your professional foundation on honesty, decency, and service,” he told the student journalists.
Mr. Fapem also advised aspiring broadcasters to maintain decency in their appearance and professionalism in their public image.
“Communication is not only about what you say, it is also about how you present yourself. Dress decently, because every appearance communicates something about your values and discipline,” he noted, adding that personal branding rooted in integrity and professionalism was key to long-term respect.
On the spread of fake news, Mr. Fapem warned that misinformation and character assassination were eroding public confidence in the media.
“Fake news has destroyed reputations, ruined families, and even caused violence. No amount of money is worth your integrity. Verify before you publish. And when you make a mistake, admit it, correct it, and learn from it,” he cautioned.
Concluding his address, Mr. Fapem challenged journalism students to be the generation that restores public trust in the media by promoting ethical branding and responsible storytelling.
“Your generation has tools our predecessors could only dream of AI, social media, mobile journalism but with these tools comes great responsibility,” he said.
“Let your work speak for truth, let your words heal, and let your legacy be integrity.”
Story by Francis Appiah
