GJA cautions journalists against unethical practices

The Ghana Journalists Association has cautioned its members against publishing or broadcasting pictures which offends the sensibilities of the public. 

Commenting on the pictures of last Wednesday's flood and fire disaster victims, GJA President, Affail Monney, said it was ethically wrong for media houses to broadcast such gory pictures of charred bodies. 

Mr Monney was speaking in Accra during the inauguration of its 20th Awards Committee. 

The GJA President asked media practitioners to be guided at all times by article 16 of its code of ethics. 

On the awards, Mr Monney announced that it will come off on August 18 at the State Banquet Hall in Accra. 

As at close of entries, one hundred and ninety-nine entries were received at the front desk in Accra. 

These exclude those from the post offices, especially the regions. 

Mr Monney defended the relevance of the awards, saying it motivates journalists to aspire for higher standards. 

He allayed fears of possible favouritism, insisting that the awards will be transparent as clear criteria are established for the selection process. 

Some people have questioned the need to organize the awards this year when last year's winner of the ultimate award, has not yet received the full complement of her package. 

Mr Monney explained that it was due to sponsorship challenges. 

These, he said are being addressed. The GJA Awards Committee members include Janet Carboo, Joe Aggrey, and Alhaji Razak El-Alawa. They promised to discharge their duties transparently.

GBC