AI cannot replace journalists’ credibility – Ashanti GJA chairman tells media practitioners
The Ashanti Regional chairman of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), Kofi Adu Domfeh, has urged journalists to prioritise credibility, accuracy and ethical standards in their work amid the growing influence of artificial intelligence (AI) in the media industry.
He said that although AI presented opportunities for research, production and storytelling, it also increased the risk of misinformation through fabricated audio, manipulated videos and fake images.
Speaking at the Ashanti Media Excellence Awards 2026 on Saturday, October 24, Mr Adu Domfeh stressed that journalists must embrace technological advancement without compromising professional ethics.
“AI can generate content, but journalists must provide verification, context, judgement and accountability,” he said.
He added that media practitioners must innovate without sacrificing accuracy and resist the temptation to prioritise clicks, views and online popularity over the public interest.
“Our greatest asset is not how quickly we publish, how many followers we command or how widely our stories circulate. It is whether the public can trust us,” he said.
Mr Domfeh also advised journalists to exercise restraint and sensitivity when reporting on tragic events, citing the conduct of the Owass FM team during the unfortunate circumstances surrounding the death of actor and media personality Kwame Dzokoto.
He commended the team for demonstrating that responsible journalism required respect for human dignity, particularly when grieving families and the public were involved.
“Speed may win attention, but professionalism earns trust,” he said, warning that the growing competition for online attention should not undermine the principles of responsible reporting.
He urged journalists in the Ashanti region to investigate critical issues, amplify neglected voices and hold public officials accountable, particularly on illegal mining, environmental degradation, unemployment, public health and governance challenges.
The GJA regional president further announced that the Ashanti Regional Branch had received a waiver on the land allocated to the Association by the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, for the proposed Ashanti Press Centre.
He expressed gratitude to the Asantehene and acknowledged Access Bank Ghana and Fidelity Bank Ghana for providing seed capital for the project, while appealing to corporate institutions, development partners and individuals to support its construction.
Mr Domfeh also called for greater recognition of veteran journalists, describing their contributions as vital to preserving the history and professional values of journalism.
He urged younger practitioners to measure success by integrity, service and impact rather than popularity alone, adding that the Association remained committed to promoting ethical journalism, improving members’ welfare and strengthening the profession.
He congratulated all nominees and award winners, reminding recipients that recognition came with the responsibility to lead by example.
Ashanti Region Journalist of the Year 2025 was won by Emmanuel Bright Quaicoe of Luv FM and Joy News.
Source: Ghana/otecfmghana.com/Francis Appiah
