Sports Minister Kofi Adams has issued a firm call to the Sports Writers Association of Ghana (SWAG) to elevate standards of accuracy, balance and responsible journalism as the association marks its 50th anniversary.
Addressing the ceremony in Accra, the Minister was candid in his appeal. “Stop the noise and stick to facts,” he declared, urging sports journalists to prioritise truth over sensationalism.
He cautioned that irresponsible reporting harms athletes and institutions. “When we get it wrong, we do not only hurt reputations. We erode trust, discourage fans, kill sponsorship and set back years of effort,” he stated.
He said SWAG’s golden jubilee should symbolise renewal. “This moment must remind us that sports journalism is not entertainment. It is a national development tool,” the Minister emphasised.
Calling for deeper research and context, Kofi Adams added: “In an age of fast news and louder headlines, the role of the sports journalist is to cut through the noise with accuracy, honesty and professionalism.”
He urged practitioners to safeguard the sector’s integrity. “Our athletes deserve that honesty. Our administrators welcome that transparency. Our future depends on that balance.”