Sulemana Braimah, the Executive Director of the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA), has expressed his disappointment with the way the media, particularly online platforms and newspapers, have been reporting on the appointments of ministers and CEOs by President Mahama.
He observed that the coverage has largely been limited to the mere publication of names and their corresponding positions, as stated in official communications or leaked appointment letters from the Presidency.
In many instances, media outlets have simply republished these letters or statements without offering any additional context, analysis, or investigative reporting.
Braimah criticized this approach, describing it as more of an announcement than actual reporting.
He emphasized the need for the media to go beyond surface-level reporting by critically analyzing the appointments, exploring the qualifications and track records of appointees, and examining the potential implications of these decisions for national development.
Such deeper engagement, he argued, would enhance public understanding and accountability in governance.
“Following the swearing-in of President John Mahama, one of the major things Ghanaians were eagerly and curiously looking forward to, was his appointments. People were keen to know who were going to be made Ministers, Deputy Ministers, CEOs and the many other key positions.
“The lobbying was and remains intense. Speculations heightened and fake announcements were put out from time to time. Social media forecasting and projections got certain names trending. Fake announcements of appointees were put out from time to time. The Presidency had to be issuing disclaimers over such fake announcements of appointees”.
Sulemana Braimah
Braimah pointed out that if journalism were solely about republishing appointment letters or statements issued by the Presidency to announce appointments, then the profession would require no specialized skill or critical engagement.
He argued that in such a scenario, anyone with an active social media account could take on the role of a journalist, as the task would merely involve copying and sharing official communications.
He emphasized that journalism demands much more than the passive dissemination of information.
It requires in-depth analysis, critical questioning, and investigative efforts to provide meaningful insights that go beyond what is stated in official documents.
Braimah urged the media to rise above basic reporting and take on its crucial role of holding power to account, providing context, and ensuring that the public is better informed about the decisions and policies that impact their lives.
Calls for Content-Driven Journalism Beyond Simple Replication
Furthermore, Sulemana Braimah emphasized that journalism is, or should be, defined primarily by the quality of its content rather than the platform on which it is presented.
He urged journalists to strive for more in-depth and thorough reporting on appointments, moving beyond the mere reproduction of official statements and letters.
Simply republishing such announcements on a news website might be perceived as journalism due to the platform, but without substantive content, it falls short of the standards expected of the profession.
Braimah stressed that journalism should focus on meaningful analysis and reporting, not just the medium used to share information.
“Journalists need to go beyond just republishing the statements from the Presidency.
“Journalists must do extra work to tell readers and audience who the appointees are beyond their names: their backgrounds, expertise, previous positions, what they may be known for; previous positions on critical national or sector-specific issues, region of origin, and in fact, all other important background information”.
Sulemana Braimah
He further highlighted that, in the age of social media, seeking additional background information, providing context, and offering analysis are crucial elements that will set a journalistic piece on appointments apart from a simple social media post by a party supporter.
According to Braimah, such efforts will elevate the quality of reporting and ensure a more informed and engaged public.
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