David Tamakloe, the freshly installed President of the Private Newspapers and Online News Publishers Association of Ghana (PRINPAG), has set forth a comprehensive agenda aimed at empowering journalists, ensuring fairness in advertising, boosting member visibility, and upholding ethical standards within the media industry.
Speaking at the inauguration of PRINPAG’s new leadership in Accra, Tamakloe outlined his commitment to driving change through four key pillars – empowerment, advertisement growth, visibility, and integrity – in order to fortify the Association and secure the sustainability of private media in Ghana.
Upon assuming his new role, Tamakloe emphasized the weight of responsibility entrusted to him by members, highlighting the need to protect their aspirations, amplify the voice of independent press, and navigate a fresh path for journalism in Ghana.
Reflecting on the sacrifices of PRINPAG’s founding members who championed press pluralism and freedom of expression during turbulent times, including G.B.K. Owusu, Kwame Obeng Fosu, Kwaku Adjemang Duah, Kenteman Nii Laryea Sowah, and Osbert Lartey, Tamakloe urged current members to honor this legacy by forging a robust future for independent journalism.
To enhance professional development, Tamakloe pledged to provide ongoing training and mentorship opportunities for members, underlining the notion that well-equipped journalists contribute to empowered societies. He also revealed ongoing negotiations with state entities to secure scholarships for members pursuing further education.
Addressing the financial hurdles faced by private newspapers, Tamakloe vowed to advocate for a more equitable distribution of advertising placements, emphasizing the value exchange between advertisers and PRINPAG members in shaping public discourse and community engagement.
Furthermore, he called for heightened visibility of members’ work, leveraging digital platforms to amplify print journalism and expand recognition for private publishers.
Turning to ethics, Tamakloe took a firm stance against the practice of “soli” (token payments to journalists), warning of its detrimental impact on journalistic integrity. He urged members to prioritize dignity over monetary gain, stating, “We certainly can’t have both.”
Additional initiatives unveiled include the establishment of the PRINPAG Foundation to support members’ welfare, the inclusion of bloggers within the Association’s purview, and a “Back to Reading” initiative aimed at revitalizing knowledge-centered journalism.
Tamakloe underscored the importance of unity among members, emphasizing that the revitalization of PRINPAG necessitates collective action focused on upholding truth, impacting lives, and fortifying democracy.
Commending PRINPAG’s decision to embrace bloggers and digital content creators, Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Shamina Muslim lauded the move as a step towards fostering professionalism in emerging media spheres.
She highlighted President John Dramani’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding journalists, citing recent instances of swift action taken against those who threaten press freedom and the government’s dedication to implement the Right to Information Act fully in order to combat misinformation and preserve democratic principles.