He indicated that due to the numerous dangers associated with the profession, individuals pursuing the career ought to be vigilant and risk conscious.
“It’s like being in a hot kitchen, you have to make that decision, if you can’t stand the heat you will exit; that’s what it is,” he noted.
Speaking to a packed room of journalists across the continent on the occasion of the 25th World Press Freedom Day held in Accra, Anas indicated that there was the need for persons who wanted to practice the profession to be psychologically ready to embrace the ills since it was a part of it.
“... you see the dangers associated with our work are real, they are not imaginary and before you even take that step into that world you should ask yourself whether you’re prepared for it. It’s not as if journalists love to be in harm’s way so we invite death or threats upon ourselves.” He added.
His comments come on the back of the recent surge in attacks on persons in the media among other brutalities.
“…once you’re in this profession whether you’re doing entertainment, whether you’re doing sports, once you’re dealing with human beings, once you write about them, there’s always that risk.”
The widely celebrated journalist charged his colleagues in the media as well as those aspiring to join the fold take calculated steps to brace and mitigate the risks that may come.
In a related development President Akufo-Addo made a passionate call on World Leaders to make a conscious effort to end all forms of State-sponsored attacks on Journalists in their bid to do their work.
Delivering the Special Guest of Honour’s address at the UNESCO/ Guillermo Cano Prize Ceremony and Gala Dinner of the “World Press Freedom Day 2018”, held at the Kempinski Hotel, Gold Coast City, President Akufo-Addo condemned all forms of attacks on Journalists while in their line of duty. The President observed that any forms of violence against journalists cannot and should not be countenanced on the African continent and for that matter the rest of the World.
