Concerns about deteriorating professional standards in the media dominated a roundtable discussion organized by the Centre for Democratic Development (CDD) on Thursday.

Participants agreed that most journalists have compromised their ethics and standards. Dr. Audrey Gadzekpo, Acting Director of the School of Communication Studies at the University of Ghana who led the discussions said avoidable journalistic errors continue to be committed daily.

Dr. Audrey Gadzekpo’s paper was titled “When the Watchman Slips: Media Accountability and Democratic Reforms in Ghana.”

She mentioned blackmail, conflict of interest, improper framing of facts, lack of respect for people’s human rights and undermining of public trust as some of the key journalistic errors.

She also talked about monies paid to journalists at functions, known in media parlance as ‘soli’ and equated that to bribery.

Dr. Gadzekpo is also worried about infiltration of national security operatives into the ranks of journalists.

Former GJA President Adjoa Yeboah-Afari said it is unfortunate that some practitioners refuse to accept their mistakes when they make them leading to some having to face legal action. She said the only way journalists can play the watchdog role well is to correct their mistakes first.

Deputy Information Minister Frank Agyekum attributed the poor journalistic standards in the country to the lack of investment in the media business.

The CDD says this is a first step in engaging journalists to improve professional standards in the industry.