Bank of Ghana Governor Dr. Johnson Pandit Asiama delivered a keynote address at the 30th Ghana Journalists Association Media Awards in Accra on Saturday, November 7, 2026. He described professional journalism as the “society’s compass”, arguing it remains essential for citizens to navigate the growing challenges of the digital age.
Addressing the awards ceremony, which carried the theme “Celebrating Excellence, Advancing Media Freedom and Combating Hate Speech in the Digital Age”, Asiama noted how technological advances have reshaped the creation, distribution and consumption of information. While digital platforms offer unprecedented opportunities for public participation and information sharing, they also facilitate the spread of misinformation, disinformation, online abuse, misleading data and hate speech.
He said, “Although digital platforms have created unprecedented opportunities for citizens to get involved and share information, they have also brought significant challenges, including misinformation, disinformation, online abuse, misleading data and hate speech.” Asiama emphasized that professional journalism helps citizens distinguish facts from falsehoods, evidence from speculation and informed analysis from sensationalism. He called journalists “guardians of public discourse” who build social unity, encourage well‑informed discussions and safeguard democratic principles.
In addition to the broader media role, Asiama highlighted the importance of accurate reporting on complex economic and financial matters. He cited monetary policy decisions, inflation trends, financial sector reforms, exchange rate movements and digital financial innovations as topics that require balanced coverage to help the public understand how these developments affect their lives. He added that effective journalism translates such technical subjects into information that the public can understand and use.
The Bank of Ghana has pledged to continue supporting initiatives that recognise excellence in economic and financial reporting, underscoring its commitment to fostering a well‑informed citizenry in an increasingly digital information environment.
