The shame of a profession

If for instance, they have heard something from the postman, they attribute it to a “semi-official” statement. If they have fallen into conversation with a stranger at a bar, they can conscientiously describe him as “a source that has hitherto proved unimpeachable”. It is only when the journalist is reporting a whim of his own, and one to which he attaches minor importance, that he defines it as the opinion of “well-informed circles”

Evelyn Waugh.

Journalism has never been a profession of fan-fare neither is it an all comers affair but sadly enough, it has been a ground where unemployed army of youths pitch their tent. It’s due to its perilous nature that it’s likened to the sword and even said to be mightier. It is little wonder that literature writers and illiterates have found their way into the profession, especially in Ghana with few honest men among them. Haven practiced in Ghana for years, before going on transfer as a member of this fourth estate of the realm, its an appalling knowledge to be told that the number of quacks has increased in the country, especially in Accra.

The above quote by Evelyn Waugh is a replica of what happens in Ghanaian Journalism, with connivance from the state council, led by senior editors, a globetrotting journalist, with the state  owned media house. 

The pen profession I left in Ghana can best be described as public relation agencies, who write basically to make ends meet. Now how do I mean? I hate journalism where names are withheld, except names of sources, as such; I’m going to mention names. It is a common knowledge that a member of the Ghana  Journalist Association must possess a media certificate from a recognized Tertiary institution. It’s an undisputed fact that its only graduates of Theatre Arts, Communication Arts and Mass Communication certificate holder that can be said to have a background of the media profession. This is the crux of the matter in Ghana (narrowed down to Accra) that 85 percent of journalists do not possess any of this certificate, even from a college of education.

Yet insulting it is to the union that they all have valid GJA identity card. In a bid to unravel how they came about parading the ID card, investigation reveals that during the last Ghana Journalists Association election, the incumbent vice chairman, who was then an aspirant took various names to the head quartes, ID cards emerged which validated them to vote for him.

The media practitioners in Ghana can be likened to parliament of vultures, a market place where poor written stories are sold to the highest bidder. This is a state where assignments are a call to eat the national cake, with a minister ready to dole out millions after every press briefing. 

 

As the Affail Money's led executives’ moves to sanitize the industry, there will be no better place to start from than Accra, beginning with the private media, and until this is done, we can all bid goodbye to this noble profession in the Ghana.

LET THERE BE SEX

You’re probably reading this article because the title got you curious, offended or slightly infuriated. If that’s the case, I’m glad I got your attention. However, my intention is not just to arouse your curiosity but to remind you of some fundamental truths which we all know — at least intuitively — but often

Choose to ignore. So please read on. Whenever sex is mentioned, especially in religious circles, most people put on a “what-are-you-talking-about” look as though it doesn’t affect them. But we all know that it does. No matter how religious you are, you have to admit that sexual urge is natural and you cannot satisfy it by fasting and prayer or any other spiritual discipline. So, rather than turning a blind eye, we must learn to address it within the right context.

I was moved with compassion as I read the story of Aseyie, recently reported by Ghanaweb. She explains how sex addiction took hold of her life for more than 14 years. Recounting her ordeal, she says “It was a craving and a fear of how I’d feel if I couldn’t get it. Once I did, it was a huge relief, like a weight was lifted. It’s like any addiction. It made me selfish, self-destructive and depressed but it was a cycle I couldn’t escape. When I started having sex with my boyfriend I thought it was the answer and would stop me feeling so lonely. But it wasn’t enough.” Like many people, Aseyiewas using sex to replace her feelings of loneliness. Aseyie lost her virginity at 13 and struggled with sex addiction until she sought help when she hit rock bottom at 30.

On the other hand, some people treat sex as taboo. Most of us were not told the truth as children and teenagers whilst some of us were told ninety-nine percent truth plus one percent lie. But ninety-nine truth plus one percent lie is equal to deception! Quite unconsciously, many people have imbibed the lie that God is against sex — that He doesn’t want people to enjoy themselves. But really, this is not true. God created sex and even blessed it! He owns the trademark and it bears His signature. And like any manufacturer or service provider, He included terms and conditions – sex is meant to be enjoyed and protected within the context of a committed and loving relationship, between a man and a woman in the lifelong covenant of marriage.

After having 40 partners and bedding 370 men, Aseyie has apparently realized this. Now, she says “I don’t plan on having sex any time soon. If the right guy comes along and I feel I’m in a stable, loving relationship, I’d feel safe to do it.” Sex is best enjoyed in marriage. In marriage, a man and a woman can enjoy intimacy with each other without fear of abandonment, betrayal, or disease; and within this type of relationship with a stable mother and father, children can be best cared for and raised to healthy maturity. God created sex to be enjoyed between a married man and woman; not between individuals who are not married to one another as in pre-marital sex, free love or extramarital sex; and not between members of the same sex, as in homosexuality.

These restrictions are not meant to spoil our fun. Rather, they are meant to shield us from avoidable grief and devastating heartaches. Sex outside of marriage comes with many problems, a few of which include disease, unwanted pregnancy and uncared for children, guilt and emotional trauma. Consequently, it is in our best interest that we heed the gospel of abstinence, fidelity and sexual purity. However, for those who have caused themselves a lot of grief before realizing this, there is still hope. I have great respect for people like Aseyie who have boldly stepped out to tell their story. Our attitude towards such people should be compassion, not condemnation.

Charles McCarthy is a teacher, writer and campaigner of empowerment.