Melcom Officials (l) presenting a fridge to representatives of former Editor of Daily Graphic (r)
The Melcom Care Foundation, a subsidiary of the Melcom Group of Companies has lauded the Ghanaian Media by honoring the former Editor of Daily Graphic, Mr. Kobby Asmah, for his outstanding contribution to the country’s development.
The difficulty in completing this task lies in the fact that it is not journalism for the purpose of earning a credential, but rather the practical evidence of the capacity to understand the obligations that come with the job.
At a short ceremony in Accra to present the prize, in the form of a brand new refrigerator, the Group Director of Communication, Godwin Avenorgbo said “this country would enjoy peace, become a business-friendly destination for investors willing to add to the nation’s growth and development process if journalists perform their duties as true patriots in nation-building”.
Mr. Avenorgbo stressed the fact that no society, institution, political system or governance system can be described as democratic without the supportive role of professional journalism practitioners; “probably a convincing reason why the profession is held in high esteem, as the 4th Estate of the Realm”.
Speaking about the profession of journalism as the art of gathering, evaluating, creating and presenting news and information, he also touched on some of the crucial actions that set journalism apart from other types of communication.
He emphasised that “even for coverage of political activities, all these elements must be applied scrupulously by professional journalists as duty bearers of the national course in our democratic dispensation.”
He added that if journalists perform their duties as true patriots in nation building, “the country would enjoy peace, become a business friendly destination for investors, willing to add to the nation’s growth and development process.”
The Editor of Daily Graphic, Theophilus Yartey, who received the prize on behalf of the immediate past Editor of the Daily Graphic, Kobby Asmah, was grateful.
He found the kind gesture by Melcom amazing and interesting. He said “we are happy about it. I believe that this noble gesture will strengthen the relationship between us, Graphic and Melcom.
Mr. Yartey was of the opinion that this nice act would benefit not only Graphics, but also other media outlets, further the cause of journalism and strengthen the nation’s democracy.
He also made a plea to other young journalists to develop their skills and to strive to be the best in their chosen fields of expertise in accordance with the norm around the world.
