Deputy Presidential Spokesperson, Shamima Muslim, has called on student political communicators to rise above public cynicism and commit to truth, values, and ethical leadership, warning that misinformation and a disregard for integrity continue to damage Ghana’s political discourse.

Speaking at the TEIN-NDC handover ceremony held on July 24, at the South Legon Campus of the University of Media, Arts, and Communication – Institute of Journalism (UniMAC-IJ), Ms Muslim addressed the widely held belief that “all politicians are liars” and challenged students to be the generation that redefines that narrative.

People often say, ‘all politicians are liars,’ and sadly, many believe it,” she noted. “But if we uphold our values and communicate with integrity, we can prove them wrong.”

The event, themed “Occupying Responsible Positions: Combating Misinformation and Disinformation in Communication Politics,” focused on shaping communicators who not only speak well but lead with character and clarity.

She urged TEIN members to align their values with their political behavior, cautioning against blind partisanship and unethical shortcuts in pursuit of influence.

Be a person of integrity. Politics should not erode your moral compass,” she advised.

“Validate before you share. Misinformation spreads carelessly. The reason our politics is deteriorating is that we've ignored our values.”

Ms Muslim, who also founded the Alliance for Women in Media Africa (AWMA), also encouraged students to treat leadership not as a formality but as an opportunity to build stronger, value-driven teams.

"Don’t spread falsehoods against your comrades. Let us be wise in choosing our advocacies,” she added.

Also speaking at the event, Ama Pratt, Press Secretary and Spokesperson to the Vice President, Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, echoed Shamima’s sentiments, stressing that politics without values only breeds noise.

It’s not about holding a title. It’s about earning trust,” she said.

“Let your words reflect your principles. Our politics needs healing, not hype.”

She urged the students to aspire to political communication that enlightens and empowers, not one that misleads or insults. For her, credibility is not built in the heat of a campaign — it is cultivated daily through discipline, truthfulness, and consistency.

"Let conscience guide your ambition. Let competence back your voice. Be credible, even when no one is watching,” she concluded.

The highlight of the event was the formal swearing-in of new TEIN executives for the UniMAC-IJ Chapter.

Outgoing leaders handed over responsibilities with emotional reflections and pledges to support their successors.

In all, the TEIN handover served not only as a symbolic transition of power but also as a clarion call for young communicators to anchor their activism in integrity and truth.

With speakers like Shamima Muslim and Ama Pratt reinforcing the need for value-based leadership, many students left the auditorium inspired to become the change they wish to see in Ghana’s political narrative.