NCC Boss, CENPA President Immortiazes Workshop with Participants.
In a bid to promote responsible journalism during the upcoming presidential and regional elections, the Cameroon English Language Newspapers Publishers Association (CENPA) organized a workshop for English-speaking journalists across the country.
The gathering, held at the Zingana Hotel in Bafoussam in the West Region from May 15 to 17, 2025, provided a platform for some over 60 media professionals to reaffirm their commitment to ethical journalism.
Joe Chebonkeng, NCC President Addressing Participants.Joe Chebonkeng Kalabubse, the President of the National Communication Council (NCC), addressed the participants drawn from the print, audio-visual, and online platforms, emphasizing the critical role of journalists in maintaining values such as neutrality, integrity, and civic duty.
"In such times, your microphones and cameras become tools of influence either guiding the truth or stirring discord," he said, urging journalists to stand firm against political pressures and adhere to principles of fairness and transparency.
He urged journalists to resist pressure, avoid aligning with candidates or ideologies, and refrain from accepting gifts or favors that could compromise their impartiality.
Joe Chebonkeng, NCC Boss Talking to the Media.The NCC boss highlighted the journalist's role as informers, not influencers, emphasizing the need for balanced coverage of all candidates and political trends. Journalists were also encouraged to fight misinformation, rumors, and hate speech, serving as mediators of democracy rather than participants in political competition.
Kalabubse reiterated the NCC's commitment to supporting a professional, responsible, and patriotic press, while also ensuring adherence to journalistic principles.
Cross Section of Participants during Workshop.The workshop culminated in the adoption of the Bafoussam Declaration on Responsible Journalism, a strong affirmation of the media's dedication to ethical reporting. The declaration underscores the media's crucial role in promoting peace and inclusivity, particularly during an electoral period often overshadowed by divisive rhetoric and hate speech.
Key tenets of the declaration include a commitment to truth and fairness, rejection of hate speech and incitement to violence, and a call for professional integrity and cultural sensitivity in reporting practices. The declaration also emphasizes the duty of journalists to protect the dignity of all individuals, especially vulnerable and marginalized communities.
The Bafoussam Declaration represents a serious commitment from the media to prioritize ethical journalism, protect national unity, and ensure the public remains well-informed.
Christian Ngah Kristian, President of CENPA.Christian Ngah Kristian, the President of the Cameroon English Language Newspaper Publishers Association (CENPA), and NCC President Joe Chebonkeng Kalabubse both stressed the importance of journalists acting as mediators of democracy, rather than engaging in political competition. "You are here to inform, not influence," Kalabubse said, while Christian noted that "The credibility of the media and, by extension, the democratic process depends on each of you."
The CENPA President, who doubles as the Publisher of The Guardian Post Newspaper, said the workshop was timely and necessary. "We wanted to arm journalists with skills that could permit them to cover the elections and report responsibly. We already have crises in the North West and South West. Another one because of elections would only worsen the situation. Politicians are sharpening tools to manipulate journalists. We need to guide against this. Journalists are not supporters," he said.
Amindeh Blaise Atabong, One of the Facilitators. The workshop was enriched by experienced facilitators like Amindeh Blaise Atabong of Reuters News, who during the workshop, provided training on safety, security, and protection while reporting in volatile environments. Tarhyang Tabe, CENPA Secretary General and Publisher of The Advocate Newspaper presented the objectives and contextual justification of the project.
Yerima Kini Nsom, Another Facilitator.On his part, Yerima Kini Nsom, a senior political reporter with The Post Newspaper, focused on the role of the media in supporting credible democratic processes.
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