The acting Chairperson of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) for the Ahafo, Bono, and Bono East Regions, Mrs Regina Benneh-Siaw, has called on journalists to adopt a responsible and informed approach in leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI) to address challenges confronting the media industry.

Speaking at the launch of the 2024 Regional GJA Awards in Sunyani, Mrs Benneh-Siaw highlighted both the opportunities and risks AI presents, especially regarding misinformation, media credibility, and access to credible information.

The theme for this year’s awards, "Overcoming Barriers to Accessing Information in the Age of AI," underscores the tension between digital innovation and journalistic integrity. “There are barriers to accessing information due to a lack of transparency by governments across the world and other hurdles such as misinformation, disinformation, legal restrictions, and censorship,” she noted.

“These barriers can hinder the ability of journalists to gather information and report accurately to our listening and reading publics,” she added.

Mrs Benneh-Siaw urged journalists to equip themselves with knowledge on AI and take part in relevant workshops to remain competitive and uphold ethical journalism.

“As journalists, let’s read about AI, share ideas, participate in AI-related workshops, and put the knowledge and skills acquired into practice. This will help us widen the frontiers of journalism in Ghana,” she affirmed.

She also called for more transparency and accountability from government institutions, and for journalists to enhance their critical thinking and digital literacy to navigate the evolving media environment.

“We must work together to overcome barriers that hinder effective journalism in the era of AI, promote press freedom, and hold public officeholders accountable,” she charged.

The awards committee announced categories such as Best Health/Medical Report, Political, Sports, Business/Financial/Entrepreneurial, Investigative, Judiciary/Court/Crime, and Socio-Economic Reports.

Others include Best Gender, Adolescents and Children Report, Education and Academic Oriented Report, Morning/Afternoon Show Programme, Features/Documentary, and Entertainment and Recreational Report.

Additional categories are Best Agricultural, Food and Environmental Report, Photojournalist Report, Culture and Tradition, Tourism/Hospitality, Most Promising Young Journalist, and the coveted Overall Best Journalist Award – open only to registered GJA members.

There will also be awards for Science, Technology, Telecommunications, Best Anchor/Personality of the Year (Twi and English), and Disability Reporting.

The event was graced by the Bono Regional Minister, Joseph Addai Akwaboa, journalists across the three regions, and other stakeholders in the media space.