Hon. Samuel Nartey George (MP), Minister for Communication, Digital Technology, and Innovations, has urged journalists to maintain professionalism, honesty, and critical thinking in their job despite artificial intelligence’s (AI) increasing impact on the media landscape.
He issued a warning during his speech at the 8th West Africa Media Excellence Awards (WAMECA 2025), which took place on Saturday, October 11 at the Alisa Hotel in Accra. He said that although AI can increase productivity, it shouldn’t take the place of the intellectual rigour, creativity, and research needed for journalism.
“AI is not meant to replace the hours of research it takes to produce a journalistic piece. It is not meant to replace human thinking. Unfortunately, many are mortgaging their thinking faculties to artificial intelligence, and it’s affecting the quality of work being produced,” he said.
Hon. Samuel Nartey George encouraged aspiring journalists to follow in the footsteps of seasoned pros who established the groundwork for reliable journalism in Ghana and the surrounding area.
“The standards established by our predecessors cannot be lowered. Tonight, let that serve as your reflection,” the Minister continued.
Mr. Sulemana Braimah, Executive Director of the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA), declared that 600 media companies from 15 West African nations submitted 793 entries for the 2025 WAMECA.
Nine journalists were chosen as the final winners after a four-member committee carefully evaluated 26 contenders from seven different nations.
Mr. Braimah gave the finalists praise for their bravery, originality, and dedication to moral journalism.
Additionally, he thanked the event’s sponsors, which included Co-Develop, DW Akademie, OXFAM in Ghana, AfricaNenda Foundation, GCB Bank, and more than 50 media outlets around West Africa.
He claims that WAMECA, which is recognised as the most prominent journalism honour in the region, aims to advance journalistic freedom, quality, and integrity in West Africa.
The WAMECA 2025 finalist list is as follows:
Taiwo Adebulu, The Cable, Nigeria
Fleur Birba, Sidwaya, Burkina Faso
Clinton Yeboah, Luv FM / Multimedia, Ghana
Kunle Adebajo, HumAngle, Nigeria
Patricia Sia Ngevao, Awoko Publications (SL) Ltd., Sierra Leone
Kanssouguibe Douti, Laabali, Togo
Jemilat Abdulrasheed Nasiru, The Cable, Nigeria
Yaye Awa Niang, Freelancer, Senegal
Bakare Majeed, Premium Times, Nigeria
Alfred Koroma, Concord Times Newspaper, Sierra Leone
Ijeoma Opara, International Centre for Investigative Reporting (ICIR), Nigeria
Oumarou Rabo, Sidwaya, Burkina Faso
Pape Bocar Mbow, CESTI TV, Senegal
Fousseni Saibou, Le Ténor, Togo
Folashade Ogunrinde, Premium Times, Nigeria
Mahougnon Angèle Adanle, Bénin WebTV, Benin
Al’amin Umar, HumAngle, Nigeria
Pape Ibrahima Ndiaye, La Maison des Reporters, Senegal
Ibrahim Mansur, The Cable, Nigeria
Edem Venunye Alley, Le Nouveau Reporter, Togo
Faruk Umar Shuaibu, Daily Trust, Nigeria
Daouda Zongo, Wakatsera, Burkina Faso
Theophilus Adedokun, National Record, Nigeria
Ndiémé Faye, La Maison des Reporters, Senegal
Olayide Soaga, Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ), Nigeria
Abdulrasheed Hammad, Pen Press, Nigeria
Source: newsthemegh.com