Veteran Ghanaian broadcaster and historian Charles Amankwa Ampofo has bemoaned over the deterioting quality of media professionals in Ghana.
In an exclusive interview on Happy 98.9 FM’s “Fact Sheet” with Reynolds Agyeman, he shared his insights on the transformative journey of the media industry, emphasizing the need for ethical resilience in the face of technological advancements.
Reflecting on the dynamic changes in the media space, Amankwa Ampofo expressed his belief in harnessing innovation and technological opportunities for the betterment of the industry.
“There’s a lot of innovation and technological advancement in the media space today, and I believe that we need to exploit these opportunities and commit to effective media ethics,” he asserted.
He highlighted the drastic shift from the past, where obtaining news from distant regions required significant time and resources.
“Unlike before, if I needed to get some news from another region, I’d have to board a bus and spend so much money for a 10-minute news,” he reminisced. “But today, you have the means to get the news without necessarily traveling. There’s been an effective way to get the news from people and to the people.”
The veteran broadcaster emphasized that these advancements should serve as a catalyst for ethical resilience within the profession.
He expressed concern over the misuse of the power of innovation in the current era. “But these days, people, because of social media and free speech, we abuse the power of innovation,” Ampofo noted.
The celebrated broadcaster passionately urged media professionals to uphold the principles of independence, resilience, and top-notch delivery of accurate information.
He further called for a collective commitment to maintaining the integrity and purpose of the media in the ever-evolving landscape.
“The media is supposed to be independent, resilient, and provide top-notch delivery of adequate information to educate people. Let’s uphold these mantras as a people,” he added.
For many years, Charles Amankwa-Ampofo has been an iconic figure in Ghana’s entertainment sector. He has significantly impacted the sector and many lives via his work.
He has experience working with a variety of media organisations throughout the years, including Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC), where he headed the TV department.
The Ghanaian media landscape is still affected by his legacy. His extensive background and sway have left a lasting impression on stations that are now essential components of the fabric of the country’s culture.
