THEME: The Role Of The Mass Media In Fighting Organized Crime In The Society.
Madam Chair parson, Director of Express Media College, The Press, Distinguished guests, Graduands, Ladies and gentlemen, all protocols duly observed. The theme for this ceremony is The Role Of The Mass Media In Fighting Organized Crime In The Society.
Mad. Chairperson, it is commonly said that we live in an information society. A society which is mainly based on services and where information of all kinds is the key to well-being and power. This information is provided by the mass media. Now if I may ask what is mass media about? It -refers to the various means of communication with a large audience at the same time. Examples include, radio, television, magazine, newspapers and social media.
As far as our topic is concerned, the role the mass media play in reducing organized crime in our various societies are not far-fetched. Without wasting much time, I will move swiftly but carefully, to elaborate on two importance of the mass media in minimizing crime in our various societies.
Firstly, it provides education. The mass media provides individuals with education. Both the electronic media and print media impart knowledge to the individuals. The individuals are educated on the negative effects of crime in the society.Through this, the deviants may change their minds for the better.
Secondly, it provides information. The information provided by the mass media on various occasions helps the individuals to know what is going bad in the society as far has crime is concerned. This enables the law enforcement agencies to take the necessary steps to arrest the deviants. And when they are subjected to the music, it shows some kind of deterrent to others.
1. Social learning.
This is whereby the individuals learn from the media, what behavior will be punished or awarded.This theory is propounded by Albert Bandura.
2. The next is Berkowitz's theory of priming effect.
This is whereby people's observation of crime leads them to think along similar lines and make comparable judgements which predispose them to violence in interpersonal situation.
3. Finally is Huesman's script theory.
This is whereby social behavior is controlled by script which indicates how one should behave in different circumstances according to a model provided by the mass media.
Mad. Chairperson, kindly allow me to address this crucial issue, and I have named it journalism is not a crime.
Fellow Ghanaians, Journalism is defined by the Longman Dictionary, 2015 Edition as a job of writing reports for newspapers, Magazines, Television or Radio.
According to a study I made, journalism entails investigations into things.
Mad. Chairperson, this topic was chosen due to some tag on Journalism in relation to what is transpiring in this country of late.
Let's flashback on the following incidents;
A. According to Mr. Latif Iddris of Joy News, a policeman grabbed him from behind and slapped him severely on the night of Tuesday March 28, 2018 at the Criminal Investigations Department of the Ghana Police Service for "asking a stupid question". That's how the police Man understood it.
B. Adom FM journalist Ohemaa Sakyiwaa Ahwenepa was assaulted by a popular NPP supporter, Hajia Fati at the party headquarters on Friday 15th May, 2018.
C. Assaults and damages were inflicted on two of GHOne TV journalists, Reynold Dadzie and one other person on the 19th and 20th July, 2018. They were subjected to severe beatings by irate Asawase Zongo youth. Why? We are one people.
D. On Thursday 16th of August, 2018, Mr. Nii Agyei was hurt with a stone hurled by some NDC supporters at Adjumako in the Central Region when he was covering an inauguration ceremony of a polyclinic, and this was disgusting. Fellow Ghanaians, let's change our attitude to transform Ghana now!.
As a serious Nation, let's not misinterpret Democracy.
These unlawful acts against journalists must be addressed with dent measures taken against the culprits.
The concept of separation of powers must be emphasized so as to ensure Press Freedom when performing duties.
Journalists are also key contributors to the country's development and not only export of crude oil and agriculture produce. They must be given some security in their operations to ensure their safety.
It must be noted that, one of the responsibilities of a journalist is to delve into relevant issues of National concerns and must be tolerated by our political Leaders and the citizenry as well. Because, journalists are the Public Relation Officers of the masses.
Mad. Chairperson, Educate Ghana Summit played a major before the Right to Information Bill was passed and we are still waiting to the time of it function. This would obviously mandate journalists to have access to accurate Information comfortably.
Mad. Chairperson, I urge all CEOs of media houses to open the financial freedom gate to journalists by paying them well. This may enable journalists take good care of their families and deliver diligently without demanding 'soli' from clients. So Director Gideon please pay your people well.
Mad. Chairperson, it is said in Akan adage that, YEDU AMANFO SO A, NA YAKAI YAANOM. Some journalists have laid a strong foundation sailing through difficult times and I will like to mention some few Names here.
1. Anas Aremeyaw Anas
2.Kwame Sefa Kai (Peace Fm),
3.Seth Kwame Boateng (Joy News)
4.Abeiku Santaana(Ok FM)
5. Captain Smart(Adom FM)
6. Frimpong Manso Adakabre
7. Kusi Mensa Capito
8. Deloris Frimpoma a.k.a Delay(Ghone)
9. Nana Amoako Gyampa(Good Life FM) and others.
Now, before I will mention these names let's observe a minute silence. May their soul rest in peace. Amen.
1. The late Komla Dumoh (may his soul rest in peace)
2. The late Ms. Irene Nana Aba Kpayaaafo Asante(was with GBC, RIP)
3. The late Kwadjo Asare Baffour Acheampong KABA (may his soul rest in peace) and many more.
To our dear Journalists, it must be noted that no one is too weak or strong for a job, every hard working journalist in the country must be honoured by Ghana Journalists Association(G.J.A) during awards giving ceremonies but it should not be on PROTOCOL, FAVORITISM or NEPOTISM basis. This may lead to Division & Greed among journalists in the country. We are calling for solidarity in journalism now!. Let's change our attitude.
Lastly, Journalism must embrace the truth, and air concerns of the citizens but not to concentrate on the prominent ones only. This leads to making people feel Unrespected, Deserted and Irritated. we need ATTITUDINAL change now!.
Mad. Chairperson, Aside all, Educate Ghana Summit says kudos to all the graduands and journalists in Ghana, but still expecting an exceptional hardworking and persistency in discharge of your duties as expected. Also, those with negative attitude must change because, it takes only a positive attitude to transform Ghana.
Graduands, on behalf of Educate Ghana Summit, I say Ayikooo to you all. I am pleading with you all to think about Ghana first in your line of duties. May the Good LORD continue to keep us under his canopy.
Educate Ghana Summit..... _we educate the nation._
Long live Express Media College.
Long live Educate Ghana Summit.
Long live Ghana.
Thank you.
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