The Cameroon English Language Newspaper Publishers Association has wrapped up a two-day workshop and elective general assembly in Ebolowa with a strong message on responsible journalism, national unity and professional discipline, at a time the country prepares for key electoral processes.
The gathering held on the 9th and 10th of April brought together English language newspaper publishers, and related news room managers from across the country, focusing on strengthening ethical standards in reporting and reinforcing the media’s role in preserving social cohesion. Participants acknowledged the weight of responsibility placed on the print media, particularly in a context where public narratives can either stabilise or fracture national unity.
“We are here today to say that English language newspaper publishers in this country have taken a stand to work towards the good of the nation,” Tarhyang Enowbikah Tabe said adding that “We want journalists to understand the role of peace in reporting, the role of fact checking in reporting, the role they play as nation builders and not nation destroyers.”
Opening the capacity-building session, CENPA President Christian Ngah emphasised the association’s commitment to improving professionalism within the sector.
One of the facilitators, Kini Nsom, stressed the editorial responsibility of journalists in filtering divisive content.
“If you don’t take a hate speech utterance to your newspaper, it will not be there... even when politicians make statements that are detrimental to national unity, it is for journalists to angle the story in such a way that it does not become prominent enough to divide the nation.” he said
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Representing the Minister of Communication, the South Regional Delegate for Communication, Solange Marguerite Beko'o B'evina, described the initiative as timely. She commended CENPA’s efforts to curb hate speech and promote unity, noting that such actions align with the government’s expectations of the media.
Beyond ethics, the workshop also targeted practical preparation for upcoming legislative and municipal elections. Sessions by Buddih Adams and Ngah Christian focused on equipping media professionals with the skills required for accurate, balanced and conflict-sensitive reporting during electoral periods widely regarded as delicate and survival in challenging times.
The second day of the Ebolowa meeting shifted to internal governance, with a revision of the association’s constitution followed by elections. Delegates renewed their confidence in Christian Ngah, handing him a fresh four-year mandate as President.
The newly elected executive introduces both stability and change. Wasso Norbert replaces Larry Esong as Vice President, while Dr Olive Ejang assumes the role of Secretary General from Tarhyang Tabe. Other key positions include Ndikum Gerald, Teneng Lucas, Theodore M. Ndze, and Elias Ngalame.
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Additional roles see Nde Richard, Ndiba Williams, and Solomon Agborem taking roles within the executive, with oversight from auditors Choves Loh and Abong Cletus. Advisory responsibilities fall to Nkemngu Martin and Boudih Adams.
Speaking after his re-election, Ngah Christian reaffirmed his commitment to the association’s founding vision.
“We had a key objective at creation, and that objective is promoting responsible journalism and peaceful reporting,” he said adding that “I am going to continue on that lane, especially in conflict situations.”
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He pointed to the association’s past interventions, including training sessions on election reporting and its role in shaping coverage of the crisis in the North West and South West regions. According to him, those efforts contributed to more measured reporting and helped support a gradual return to stability.
Looking ahead, the publisher of countries leading English language daily, The Guardian Post, emphasised the need for continued training, particularly for journalists and bloggers, ahead of future elections.
“Media practitioners have to be trained to cover these elections in a responsible manner, in a way that promotes peace and nation building,” he said, noting that the newly elected executive would work towards strengthening the association’s impact in Cameroon’s evolving media landscape.
By Bakah Derick for Hilltopvoices web in Ebolowa
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