Journalists must remain committed to promoting peace and national development, warning against the misuse of the media to fuel conflict.

Speaking at the launch of World Unity and Peace International, the News Editor of the Multimedia Group, Dr David Okyere Akwesi Agyeman, said the media must learn from past tragedies citing the 1994 Rwanda genocide where irresponsible broadcasting contributed to the loss of thousands of lives.

"There are a lot of countries on the globe that have plunged into conflicts. Rwanda has become an example to everybody in this world, particularly media practitioners," he said.

Dr Agyeman stressed that journalism is not only about informing, educating and entertaining the public.

"Our core mandate is not basically about informing, educating and entertaining. It's about assisting society to transform and develop. It's about peace," he emphasised.

He admonished journalists to recognise the influence they wield through their work.

"We have the power. Whatever we put out there is what our public will consume," he noted, urging practitioners to be guided by professionalism and ethical standards.

While acknowledging the freedoms guaranteed under Ghana's 1992 Constitution, he cautioned journalists against taking those freedoms for granted.

"If we take it for granted, the generations yet unborn will never forgive us," he added.

Dr Agyeman further urged journalists not to allow themselves to be used by politicians, traditional leaders or other influential persons to create tension in the country.

"When policymakers, traditional rulers and politicians are getting ready to drive this country into chaos, we should be able to stand there, look straight into their eyes and tell them, 'No'."

He also paid tribute to veteran journalists whose sacrifices helped secure media freedom in Ghana, urging the current generation to protect that legacy.

"…don't let us use the media to create conflict but rather to help our country to grow," he concluded.