By Sir Sam Jonah, the Executive Chairman of Jonah Capital Equity Fund, has lamented the absence of accountability in protecting the public purse, denouncing it as “pathetic.”
During the launch of the 75th-anniversary celebrations of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) in Accra on Wednesday, April 17, 2024, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Cape Coast criticized what he perceives as the politicization of state agencies against adversaries and the erosion of press freedom.
Sam Jonah encouraged Ghanaian journalists to exhibit fearlessness and vigorously safeguard the country’s democracy by addressing pressing issues concerning its governance system.
He underscored the pivotal role of media practitioners in Ghana as pillars of impartiality, champions for informed discourse, and unwavering defenders of liberty and veracity.
“In this era, where the essence of our democracy and the fabric of our society are tested, let us recommit ourselves to the principles that Ephraim Amu so eloquently espoused. I implore you to be the standard-bearers of objectivity, the architects of informed discourse, and the unyielding defenders of freedom and truth. In this regard, all of us have to be concerned about some disturbing developments in our national discourse.
“The perceived weaponisation of state agencies against opponents, the creeping assault on freedom of the press, the perceived lack of trust in the dispensation of justice, and the pathetic lack of accountability in the protection of the public purse, this is the time for patriots to find their voices. This is the time to be fearless and courageous. We cannot and must not compromise on our defence of the national interest.
“The success of our attempt at a democratic order will depend crucially on how free the press is. In the words of Walter Cronkite, a widely respected American journalist, ‘freedom of the press is not just important to democracy, it is democracy!’”
The esteemed Ghanaian businessman also urged Ghanaian journalists to uphold fairness as the country nears the 2024 elections. He implored them to utilize their pens and voices to craft a narrative of peace, equity, and democracy.
He highlighted the regrettable incidents such as the SALL controversy, the tragic loss of innocent voters in Techiman, and the unprecedented electoral violence in Ayawaso, emphasizing that these events continue to haunt our shared conscience.
“We must all resolve that these unfortunate chapters in our more recent history will never be repeated. You should endeavour to be the bridge over troubled waters, ensuring that every Ghanaian, irrespective of political allegiance, finds solace and strength in the truth.”
