The Ghana Institute of Journalism, (GIJ) held its second congregation on Saturday at which 119 graduates were presented with their certificates in Master of Arts programme in Public Relations, Development Communication, Media Management and M.A in Journalism.
This is the sixth graduation for degree students of GIJ since the programme began 11 years ago.
Professor Kwesi Yankah, Minister of State in charge of Tertiary Education, has expressed concern about the lack of research data for development planning in many African countries.
Speaking at the graduation ceremony of the GIJ’s School of Graduate Studies and Research (SOGSAR), he urged the graduands to be guided by the principles of factual reporting and ensure balanced reportage.
"Where planning in 20th century Africa was fed on empty data, here we come with tools that can change the destiny of this country, the destiny of journalism and communication," he said.
Prof Yankah said African governments gave the sense of planning based on conjecture instead of reliable data, with journalists having to reach out to sources outside for information about their countries.
"It amounts to going beyond yourself to get information about yourself," he added.
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He entreated the graduands to be professional in their various fields of endeavour.
The graduation ceremony was held under the theme: "The role of communication in bridging the gap between academia and industry".
GIJ establishment
The Institute was established by Osagyefo Dr Kwame Nkrumah, Ghana's First President and officially opened in 1959.
Parliament enacted the Ghana Institute of Journalism Act (Act 717) 2006, to transform the Institute into a degree awarding tertiary institution with a Gazette notification of September 1, 2006.
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Subsequently, the President granted a Charter to enable the institute award its own certificates, diplomas and degrees, for programmes accredited by the National Accreditation Board.
The certificate was signed by the President of Ghana in August, 2006.