Astute Ghanaian media personality and women’s empowerment advocate, Gifty Anti, has called on female journalists to uphold professionalism and resist the growing temptation to sacrifice ethics for online trends.
Speaking at the first annual national forum on women in government and media, she expressed concern about what she described as a troubling craze within the media landscape the deliberate attempt to make interviews “trend” at all costs.
“These days, the thing is trending, so we want to trend, we want the interview to trend, so we want to ask certain questions, but you ask yourself, trend for what?” she questioned.
Her remarks come at a time when digital platforms and social media metrics increasingly influence editorial decisions. In the race for viral moments, sensational headlines and provocative questions have become common tactics to drive engagement. However, according to Gifty Anti, this approach risks undermining the dignity of interviewees, particularly women in leadership and public service.
She urged female journalists to avoid setting up their guests for public ridicule simply to generate buzz or online traction. While acknowledging the importance of accountability in journalism, she stressed that professionalism must not be replaced with performative confrontation designed to embarrass.
“Let’s be intentional about how we portray women, for instance, those in positions, let’s be critical, tough on them, let’s point out the shortfalls, but don’t let us set them up for embarrassment, all because of trending,” she stated.
Her message underscored the delicate balance between holding public officials accountable and preserving respectful discourse. She emphasized that critical journalism is not synonymous with humiliation, and that strong questioning can coexist with fairness and integrity.
As a long-standing advocate for women’s empowerment, Gifty Anti has consistently championed the responsible representation of women in media. Her latest call adds to ongoing conversations about gender-sensitive reporting and ethical journalism practices in Ghana and beyond.
The forum served as a platform for dialogue on strengthening the role of women in governance and media, highlighting both achievements and persistent challenges. Central to the discussions was the need for solidarity among women professionals and a shared commitment to elevating, rather than undermining, one another.
In an era where virality often overshadows values, Gifty Anti’s remarks serve as a timely reminder that journalism’s core mandate remains truth, fairness, and responsibility, not merely trending for trending’s sake.
