President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has called on graduating students of the Ghana Institute of Journalism to be guided by professionalism.

Delivering a speech at the 12th congregation of the institute here in Accra, the president raised concerns over misreporting in the media and admonished the graduating students to be exceptional and avoid taking that path.

He also used the opportunity to advice the students to bring to bear the experience they have gained in school to help society.

“As is unfolding before our very eyes on daily basis, this deliberate misinformation campaigns which in themselves are not new in politics and war have now gained added currency which the proliferation of media channels.

“This is not only the preserve of enemy states in times of war but has also now become a vociferous tool of political actors who aim to win public relations battles by fabricating or twisting facts and churning them out either through traditional media or new media channels as news,” he added.

“You should be the generation of Ghanaian media practitioners that refuse to be either victim or pawn and accept to travel down the path of genuine popular enlightenment which represents the strongest guarantee of our national independence and sovereignty.”



He further disclosed that government has made available an amount of GH¢5 million available to help the Institute develop its infrastructure capacity.

This he believes will in providing space for the increased student population which will be seeking admission to the school as a result of the Free SHS programme. A total of 870 students graduated with degrees, diplomas and certificates in communication.