Opening Remarks at the 3rd African Media Convention in Accra

It is an immense honour to be a part of the 3rd African Media Convention, where journalists, editors and media managers from across Africa have gathered to  reflect on the work of the institution and people who define the stories of our continent as well as the influence they hold. In the heart of our vibrant continent, where diversity thrives and stories abound, I stand before you with a profound sense of purpose and urgency as  we are reminded of the crucial role that the media plays in our world. One that transcends beyond the traditional role of disseminating information and providing entertainment, to one that builds bridges, and guards the truth; A media that has the power to shape perceptions, ignite change, and unite nations.

Africa is a canvas rich with untold stories, with its different cultures, languages, and landscapes. The continent is teeming with life, resiliency, and creativity. However, among the colorful fabric of our countries, there are issues that require our immediate attention. Our challenges as media stakeholders are not limited to the ever-present threat of disinformation, but also peace, poverty, inequality, political instability in a fast-paced world hurtling forward at exponential speed. And Africa’s place in this is crucial and the media has an important role to play.

While it presents challenges, this also offers enormous potential that is right in front of us. The media has unmatched ability to inform, educate, and inspire. By working together, we can make the voices of the oppressed heard, hold the powerful to account, and promote understanding and a feeling of community within our communities and galvanise the continent, peacefully, to achieve its full potential..

Ladies and gentlemen, the theme for this Convention “enhancing freedom, innovation and environmental sustainability in a dynamic media landscape” is timely. Two things will define the 21st Century – climate change and digitalization – and the media is at the heart of positive influence on both. In a world where the dynamics of media shape our perceptions, beliefs, and actions, it becomes imperative to harness its potential not just for profit, but for the greater good of humanity and this continent.  We are at a turning point in the history of the media, where new or shifts in technology, culture, and society have converged to redefine the very fabric of how information is produced, disseminated, and consumed. This turning point is marked by the unprecedented proliferation of digital platforms, the democratization of content creation, and the erosion of traditional gatekeeping mechanisms. The advent of social media has also dismantled barriers to entry, empowering individuals and communities to become creators and distributors of news and entertainment on a scale never before imaginable. This democratization of media production has ushered in an era of unparalleled diversity and plurality, amplifying voices that were once marginalized and challenging the hegemony of mainstream narratives. Simultaneously, however, this democratization has also given rise to a proliferation of misinformation and disinformation, blurring the lines between fact and fiction and sowing seeds of distrust in established institutions and expertise.

Today, I stand before you to advocate for a vision that intertwines freedom, innovation, and environmental sustainability within this ever-evolving media landscape. Freedom is the cornerstone of any thriving society. With freedom, there are opportunities to express, to create, to dissent, and to envision a better future. Media freedom means unrestricted access to information, diverse viewpoints, and platforms that amplify previously marginalised voices. We must safeguard this freedom, not just as a right but as a responsibility, ensuring that the media remains resilient against censorship, manipulation, and monopolization.

Yet, freedom alone is not enough. Innovation, the driving force of progress, is essential to navigate the complexities of our time. We must be able to adapt, to challenge norms, and to discover new solutions to age-old problems. With technological advancements, the media access is democratized. We must foster an environment where innovation thrives, where creativity flourishes, and where experimentation is celebrated, paving the way for a media ecosystem that is both dynamic and resilient.

In order to respond to the shifting demands and tastes of our audiences, we must welcome innovation as new technologies continue to upend established systems of production and consumption. Innovation creates new opportunities for connection and involvement, whether it be through data journalism, digital platforms, or immersive storytelling methods. This enables us to reach larger audiences and produce more engaging stories.

Our pursuit of freedom and innovation cannot come at the expense of our planet. Environmental sustainability, the imperative of our generation, must be at the forefront of our endeavors. It is the recognition that our actions today have repercussions for generations to come, and that the health of our planet is intricately linked to the well-being of all its inhabitants. In the media landscape, environmental sustainability manifests as responsible consumption of resources, reduction of carbon footprint, and amplification of voices advocating for conservation and climate action. We must integrate environmental sustainability into every facet of media production and consumption, forging a path towards a greener, more equitable future.

Like any other industry, the media has an obligation to reduce its carbon footprint and lessen its impact on climate change. Media companies may support environmental sustainability in a variety of ways, from cutting back on energy use in newsrooms to adopting sustainable production and distribution methods. We provide an example for other industries to follow and aid in the battle against climate change by implementing green practices into our daily operations.

While on the subject, as part of ensuring we leave no one behind, let me underscore the media's duty to also prioritize disability inclusion within the media landscape. I applaud UNESCO for organizing the workshop for African media editors and managers, a proactive step towards promoting and advancing disability equality as a precursor to the convention. The media wields considerable influence in shaping societal attitudes. Neglecting, misrepresenting, or overlooking the needs of the 16 percent of the global population living with disabilities undermines our commitment to inclusivity and the pledge to ensure that no one is left behind.

My second add-on is to remind us of the need to uphold professional etiquettes, especially as Ghana goes to the polls in the coming months. The media must stand for truth, unbiased reportage to help curb the incidence of hate speech, misinformation, and disinformation.

To conclude, distinguished guests, let us reaffirm our dedication to the values of ethical conduct, transparency, and journalistic integrity. Enhancing freedom, innovation, and environmental sustainability in a dynamic media landscape is not just a lofty idea, but a pressing necessity which calls to action for policymakers, media professionals, innovators, and citizens alike to collaborate in shaping a future where information flows freely, creativity knows no bounds, and our planet thrives. Let us seize this opportunity, not just for ourselves, but for generations yet unborn.  Let us use technology to our advantage and share stories that have the capacity to influence people's opinions and hearts.

I thank you all for listening.