Media executives and journalism professionals marking World Press Freedom Day at BlueCrest University College warned that misinformation, financial instability and rapid technological disruption are increasingly threatening media credibility and democratic accountability across Africa.
The event, organized by AfriMass Network under the theme “Shaping a Future at Peace,” brought together students, journalists, broadcasters and digital content creators to discuss the future of ethical journalism in an era shaped by artificial intelligence, social media and economic pressure on newsrooms.
Opening the programme, Raymond Smith, founder of AfriMass Network, said sustainable media institutions are essential to safeguarding genuine press independence.
Smith said the organization’s Newsroom Business Initiative, now in its third edition, was designed to equip young journalists and media entrepreneurs with practical skills needed to survive in a rapidly changing media economy.
Ewurama Greenslade, founder of The Boardroom, said trust remains the foundation of peaceful societies and responsible journalism.“There is no peace without trust, and there is no trust without credible media,” Greenslade said.
She argued that misinformation and disinformation continue to erode public confidence in journalism and warned that financially weak media institutions often become vulnerable to unethical influence.
“Freedom comes with responsibility, hence we ought to be intentional in promoting ethical journalism,” she said.
Greenslade urged journalists and digital creators to treat their voices, reputations and platforms as economic assets capable of sustaining independent media businesses.
Speaking on the relationship between media narratives and economic development, Aziz Baako said headlines and storytelling can shape investor confidence and public perception of national progress.
He encouraged journalists and content creators to apply accuracy and context carefully in reporting, warning that irresponsible narratives could damage economic confidence.
“There are two things to think about when creating content,” Baako said. “They are the quantitative and qualitative audience.”
Vice President of the Ghana Journalists Association, Rebecca Ekpe, cautioned students about the growing dangers associated with digital platforms and online communication.
She urged aspiring journalists to understand the history of journalism and remain conscious of the ethical implications of their language and reporting. “The media is a good tool but can also be a tool for destruction,” Ekpe said.
Kwabena O.K. Nkrumah, known within the media community as Kobby Spiky, focused on the increasing influence of artificial intelligence in media production, telling participants that journalists must adapt quickly to remain competitive.
He demonstrated the use of AI tools including Gemini and Claude for content production and newsroom efficiency, while warning that misuse of technology and disinformation remained significant threats. “Adapting is survival,” Nkrumah said.
Media consultant Kafui Dey encouraged students to embrace experimentation and curiosity in storytelling, describing inquisitiveness as central to impactful journalism.“Curiosity is the biggest tool for news,” Dey said.
He urged young creators not to delay pursuing media careers because of limited resources, recounting how he began his own journey using only a smartphone.
The programme concluded with a call on students and media partners to focus on an agneda of promoting media sustainability, ethical journalism, taking note of the future of digital storytelling.
