By Baraka John
Authorities in Western Equatoria State have urged journalists to uphold professionalism and ethical standards as the newly appointed Minister of Information and Communication officially takes office.
The call was made on Tuesday by the State Minister of Local Government and Law Enforcement, Alison Barnaba, during a ceremony escorting the new minister to his office.
Addressing media practitioners, Barnaba emphasized the importance of accuracy, fairness, and integrity in reporting. He cautioned against biased journalism and reminded reporters of their responsibility to serve the public with credible information.
“Journalism comes with many challenges, including threats, fatigue, imprisonment, and even death,” Barnaba said. “Despite these, journalists must remain committed to professional ethics and deliver accurate, constructive information that helps society progress.”
The newly appointed Information Minister, Mohammed Juma, pledged to foster teamwork and strengthen collaboration within the ministry to enhance its effectiveness. He assured staff that his leadership would focus on improving operations and addressing key challenges facing the information sector in the state.
Juma noted that understanding the current state of the ministry would be a priority, adding that he intends to work closely with staff to identify gaps and develop solutions collectively.
Also speaking at the event, the Director General in the State Ministry of Information, Isaac Fora, highlighted the ministry’s vital role in communicating government policies and activities to the public.
He described access to information as a fundamental human right and stressed the importance of the ministry’s radio and television directorate in promoting peaceful coexistence, as well as informing citizens about social, scientific, and technological developments.
Fora reaffirmed his commitment to working collaboratively with colleagues to strengthen the ministry’s mandate and improve service delivery.
However, officials acknowledged that the spread of misinformation remains a significant challenge in Western Equatoria. They noted that untrained individuals posing as journalists often contribute to the circulation of inaccurate reports, undermining public trust and the credibility of professional media in the state.