Let’s uproot corruption
The media, in democracies all over the world, have been hailed for upholding democratic governance and exposing the bad deeds within society.
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In dire situations where the citizenry have become helpless in the face of many challenges due to imprudent leadership, the media come in handy in helping to address those problems.
The trumpeting of the media as the fourth estate of the realm stems from some of such noble achievements that help to turn around what are usually helpless situations.
Ghana decided to embark on this same journey of democracy after a good number of years under the culture of silence. The role that the media played in Ghana’s transition to democracy can best be attested to by future generations.
Just as a child who crawls for some time begins to walk by taking the first step, Ghana’s democracy is taking shape after spells of trying moments and acts that tested our resolve as a country to pursue the path of rule of law.
A little over two decades into our democratic culture, the institutions that constitute the bedrock of our practice are threatened by a hydra-headed monster called corruption.
More than ever in the history of our country, corruption seems to be the biggest and most difficult hurdle that needs to be surmounted.
Again, the expertise of the media is the only tool required to effectively handle this destructive resident by holding public officials accountable.
From the tro-tro driver’s mate, the watchman at the market gate, the apprentice at the boss’ shop, and the fuel attendant to the journalist on assignment; the teacher marking the scripts, the pastor preaching the sermon, the accountant in that small office, the CEO in the big car and our politicians, corruption has become a common denominator.
But if the media should be up to its role of cleaning the stables of this canker, then it is high time it began getting its act together. We must consciously deal with the negative perceptions that media practitioners too are corrupt and they turn a blind eye to corrupt practices. We must name and shame our own to send the message across that no one would be spared.
As the case is now, the public is looking up to us to help address the threat posed by corruption and if we fail in our quest, we will facilitate a rollback of our achievements.
There is no perfect human institution but the pursuit of excellence is often accompanied by verifiable actions.
We cannot fail to lead the crusade against corruption by upholding the truth and insisting on integrity in public life. As the Bible teaches, let’s endeavour to put on the whole armour so that we can confront the schemes of evil.
Time is not waiting for us. The time for action is now.