...distortion of country'shistory

Accra, Dec. 16, GNA - Mr Joe Lartey, a veteran journalist at the weekend urged Ghanaians to guard against the spread of falsehood and the distortion of the country's history by sophists and propagandists who seek political power.
He said unsubstantiated comments and analysis made by some social and political commentators in the media, especially on radio and television programmes could have a negative impact on the audience, especially the youth who were yet to develop independent thinking. Mr Lartey, who was speaking at the re-launch of 'the Echo,' a Sunday weekly newspaper in Accra, said the situation could create a dangerous precedent in the country's democratic development. He noted that a large number of Ghanaians who were illiterates tended to believe without questioning whatever they watched on television or listen to on the radio.
Mr Lartey, therefore, advised the youth in particular, to cultivate the habit of reading and research into the country's past so that they would not be swayed away by demagogues.
He also called on statesmen, historians and other intellectuals to rescue the people from misinformation and psychological warfare by helping to put the country's history in the right perspective adding, "Ghanaians should engage in discussions that would ensure progress instead of concentrating on politics."
Mr Lartey appealed to Ghanaians to be time conscious and detested 'the African time' mentality which according to him was scaring away investors from the country.
He said: "These investors often ask whether Ghanaians are actually serious and whether they need really help".
Ms Adjoa Yeboah-Afari, President of the Ghana Journalists Association, re-launching the newspaper, commended the late Samuel Kissi-Afari, the founder of 'the Echo,' for his enormous contribution to journalism and advised the paper's editorial department to pay particular attention to proof-reading to give quality to the content.
Mr Clement Ackon, Managing Editor of 'the Echo,' gave the assurance that the newspaper would be guided by objectivity and truth to enhance journalism, ensure the individual's freedom and facilitate the country's development.
Nana Sarpong Boateng, an Accra-based businessman, purchased the first auctioned copy of the newspaper at 5 million cedis. The Echo was established in 1968 but it went off the newsstand in 1996 as a result of financial constrain and political reasons. 16 Dec. 03
Attention recipients, item 01 ends first cast.