The astute Nigerian Lawyer and Human Right Activist, Femi Falana, SAN asserted that, journalism must not just be reporting on happenings and events, but it must find its trace to a curios mind, an opened mind, and honesty.
In his speech as the guest speaker for the 80th birthday celebration (public lecture) of Professor Kwame Karikari, Lawyer Femi emphasized the need for young journalists to embrace proper journalism; the one that involves deep reasoning and curiosity.
Speaking at the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT) Hall in Accra on Thursday July 17, 2025, the Nigerian Lawyer gave much credit to Professor Kwame Karikari as he describe him as a press freedom activist and a transformer who always tells them what true journalism is all about.
“As he has often reminded younger colleagues; journalism must be rooted in curiosity, honesty, and broad-mindedness.” Femi Falana recollected.
He also added that, according to Karikari, “Journalism must transcend religious, political, and tribal biases.” He said this to emphasize the need that proper journalism is a lot of work that demands curios minds.
The public lecture which was held under the theme, “Celebrating a Life of Commitment and Service to Free Expression, Democracy, Social Justice,” was organized by the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA). This was done in honour of its founder, Professor Kwame Karikari.
Reading his biography, Professor Takyiwaa Manuh accounted the life span of her lecturer from his birth to now. She recounted the struggles her professor had to go through all for the sake of press freedom.
During a brief talk at the ceremony, Prof Karikari has hinted that the future and its success lie in the hands of the youth. According to him, there are only two things that can make the youth arrive at influencing democratic governance.
“Having faith in the future and being optimistic about the future is the key. We must be optimistic in the youth and about the future because the youth will do better in the future.” Mr. Karikari hinted.
In furtherance, he also advised and said to the effect that, “money is good and we need it, yet it should not become a God we worship. It is about the value we will exhibit if we want to make it in this life (being in position is not about the money, rather about your wisdom and service).”
As an activist of freedom of expression, social justice and democracy in Africa, Professor Kwame Karikari founded the MFWA and served as the Executive Director until handing it over in 2014 to Sulemana Braimah. He also served various boards and international organizations that champion human rights. He is currently part of the constitutional review team selected by President John Dramani Mahama.
The MFWA is a regional independent non-governmental organization with a network of national partner organizations in all 16 countries in West Africa that advocate and echoes press freedom, and the right of free expression. The institution is focused on 3-year thematic areas such as Freedom of Expression and Digital Rights, Media and Good Governance, and Institutional Development
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