Akwasi Nsiah Advocates for Licensing of Journalists and Bloggers in Ghana

Akwasi Nsiah, a prominent media personality and host of Badwam on Adom TV, has proposed the licensing of journalists and bloggers in Ghana to enhance accountability and ethical standards in the media industry. He argues that the increasing impact of both traditional and digital media on public opinion necessitates that media practitioners receive proper training and adhere to professional standards. Nsiah highlighted the dangers of misinformation and unverified content, drawing parallels to the high expectations placed on other professionals such as doctors and lawyers. He emphasized that irresponsible reporting can lead to significant societal issues, including confusion and panic. Importantly, he clarified that his proposal is not intended to restrict media freedom or silence dissent but rather to ensure that those in the media possess the necessary qualifications and ethical grounding. He believes that while freedom of expression is crucial in a democracy, it must be accompanied by responsibility. Nsiah's comments come amidst concerns regarding the rapid growth of social media and citizen journalism, which he believes further underscores the need for regulation in the media sector.