By: Ashiadey Dotse
The Acting Chief Justice, Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie, has encouraged the Ghanaian media to ensure its newsroom becomes a true sanctuary of truth, where journalists use their microphones and cameras to promote peace, honesty, and national development.
Speaking at the 29th edition of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) Awards in Kumasi on Saturday, November 8, 2025, Justice Baffoe-Bonnie urged journalists to remain bold, responsible, and dedicated in their work.
He said journalism, like justice, is not supposed to be about comfort or personal benefit, but about service and sacrifice for the good of society.
According to him, speeches and media discussions must not end with applause or trending headlines alone, but must stir real action that brings change to communities and strengthens Ghana’s democracy.
“As I have often said, speeches must remain something that is beyond words. They must stir us to action. For if they do not move us, they serve no purpose. So I say this afternoon, let this speech not end in mere applause but in awakening. Let every newsroom become a sanctuary of truth, every camera a mirror of conscience, and every microphone a trumpet for peace,” he said.
Justice Baffoe-Bonnie also acknowledged the challenges and pressures journalists face, especially when they speak truth to power. But he said the future of the country is tied to the courage of the media to tell the truth even when it is uncomfortable.
He ended his address by encouraging media practitioners to protect Ghana’s environment and contribute to peacebuilding.
“If we defend peace with our words and rivers with our voices, the next time we gather here, the Pra, Densu, and even Ankobra will be smiling at us again,” he added.
