Agyenim Boateng calls for high journalistic standards

Story: Emmanuel Adu-Gyamerah & Daniel Nkrumah

A DEPUTY Minister designate for Information, Mr James Agyenim Boateng has underlined the need for journalists to maintain high ethical standards in order not to unfairly harm the reputation of others.
He noted that journalists had a responsibility to respect the rights of their sources as well as well the privacy of others on issues that were of a confidential or sensitive nature such as health records of individuals or public figures.
When he appeared before the Appointments Committee of Parliament, the 34-year-old Radio Presenter and News Editor at Radio Gold, said it was wrong for people to make allegations against others without any evidence stressing that “he who alleges must prove”.
He said there was the need to establish a broadcasting law in the country, that would help address some of the challenges confronting the electronic media.
Touching on the Right to Information Bill, the Mr Agyenim Boateng said the bill was critical to ensuring that there was transparency in the governance process and also emphasises the fact that sovereignty rests in the people.
He added that making information available to the masses could also promote accountability among public servants.
Also, appearing before the committee was the Deputy Regional Minister Designate for the Ashanti Region, Ms Anima Wilson, who told the committee that if given the nod, she would support the regional minister to effectively manage the region.
Ms Wilson had livened up the place, when she told the committee that a prophet in her church had prophesied that she was going to become a deputy minister.