A Communications Consultant and Lecturer at the School of Communication Studies of the University of Ghana, Prof. Audrey Gadzekpo, has waged into the ongoing debate on journalists taking monies for covering programmes popularly referred to as ‘soli’, describing it as a form of corruption.
She believes journalists should rather stand their grounds and expose corrupt practices within the society so they can contribute to effecting change in the lives of underprivileged persons.
[contextly_sidebar id=”61M1VYDZ0EutMsCHGTrWgSrtnrI4dW3M”]Her sentiments follow a similar one expressed by British High Commissioner to Ghana, Jon Benjamin, who has described as hypocritical, a journalist’s ability to expose corruption and yet take ‘soli’ at functions.
Professor Audrey Gadzekpo made the comments when she addressed a ceremony to commemorate the first anniversary of pressure group, Occupy Ghana.
“Media owners must provide the finances for journalists to cover assignments so they do not have the excuse to collect ‘soli’ because ‘soli’ is corruption,” she stated.
Professor Gadzekpo also expressed concerns over the conditions of work for most journalists in the country, saying the situation is not encouraging, hence compelling journalists to “limit their coverage of news to routine events of those who can pay for coverage.”
Dr. Gadzekpo therefore charged media owners to support the work of their employees through their cloud of network and with their influence in society since in her view, “It takes money to unearth what is wrong in our society.”
The communications expert also expressed worry over attacks on journalists and urged all stakeholders to address the problem.
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By: Pius Amihere Eduku/citifmonline.com/Ghana