The President of the Private Newspapers and Online News Publishers Association of Ghana (PRINPAG), David Tamakloe, has called for stronger institutional support for private media organisations, arguing that a well-resourced and professionally grounded press remains essential to Ghana’s democracy and national security.
Mr Tamakoe said the growing influence of digital platforms should not come at the expense of professional journalism, particularly when media organisations are required to report on sensitive issues such as national security.
He made the call on Saturday, August 29, 2026, while delivering the welcome address at a capacity-building workshop on “Responsible Security Reporting” at the Platinum Bay Hotel in Abokobi, Accra.
The programme, organised by PRINPAG in partnership with the National Security Council Secretariat under the theme “Media as a Strategic Partner in National Security,” brought together journalists, media executives, security officials and other stakeholders.
Mr Tamakloe said private media organisations are expected to contribute to national development, democratic accountability and public safety, yet many continue to operate under severe financial constraints.
He therefore appealed to national security institutions and other state agencies to deepen their partnership with private media organisations through funding opportunities, training and constructive engagement.
“Let us provide the ink through funding, through regulation, and through partnership,” he said.
According to him, supporting the media should be viewed as an investment in Ghana’s democratic institutions and information ecosystem rather than merely assistance to individual news organisations.
He stressed that journalists must, however, reciprocate such support by maintaining high professional and ethical standards, particularly when dealing with information that could affect national security or public safety.
Mr Tamakloe cautioned against the growing tendency to treat social media content as equivalent to professionally produced journalism.
“The madness we witness on social media is NOT journalism,” he declared.
He argued that while digital platforms have transformed the way information is produced and consumed, professional journalism remains guided by principles such as verification, accuracy, accountability and editorial responsibility.
“There is no alternative to the traditional media. The media is only one—it has always been one, and it will always remain one,” he said.
He urged media houses to protect the credibility of the profession by ensuring that information is properly verified before publication, especially in situations involving security threats, conflict and other sensitive national issues.
The PRINPAG President also called for appropriate regulation of the media environment, but stressed that such measures should strengthen professional standards without infringing on freedom of expression.
He said PRINPAG, which has existed since 1991, would continue to support professional development within the private media sector and provide a platform for peer learning and review.
Mr Tamakloe further urged journalists participating in the security reporting workshop to share the knowledge acquired with colleagues in their respective newsrooms.
He said improved understanding of national security issues among journalists would help reduce inaccurate reporting while enabling the public to receive information that is timely, credible and responsible.
The workshop brought together senior security officials, including National Security Coordinator COP Razak Osman and Deputy National Security Coordinator Major General (Rtd) Ayamdo, as well as Deputy Minister for Government Communications Shamima Muslim, legal practitioners, academics, representatives of the Cyber Security Authority, veteran journalists and media executives.
Mr Tamakoe expressed appreciation to the National Security Council Secretariat for collaborating with PRINPAG on the initiative.
He said sustained engagement between security institutions and the media could improve public awareness, strengthen national cohesion and contribute to democratic governance and public safety.
He concluded by urging media practitioners to protect the reputation of journalism by ensuring that truth, accuracy and responsibility remain central to their work.
“Together, let us shape the future of journalism, defend its honour, and ensure that truth never goes out of fashion,” he said.
