Ghana's Media Must Harness Emotional Intelligence and AI to Stay Competitive, Says Expert

Media practitioners in Ghana have been advised to embrace emotional intelligence alongside artificial intelligence technologies to remain relevant and enhance their professional development in an increasingly competitive industry. The call was made by consultant expert Percy Amoh Yankey during a recent media engagement session organised by Ghana National Gas Company Limited (Ghana Gas) for journalists from the Western and Greater Accra Regions.

The advisory comes at a critical juncture for Ghana's media sector, which faces mounting pressures from digital disruption, changing consumer habits, and the rapid advancement of automation technologies. Media houses across the country are grappling with how to adapt their operations whilst maintaining the quality journalism that Ghanaian audiences expect.

Balancing Technology with Human Skills

Yankey's emphasis on combining emotional intelligence with AI adoption reflects a broader industry trend recognising that technology alone cannot replace the nuanced storytelling and empathy that define impactful journalism. Emotional intelligence—the ability to recognise, understand, and manage emotions in oneself and others—has become increasingly valuable in media work, particularly as journalists navigate sensitive stories, build source relationships, and connect authentically with diverse audiences across Ghana's varied regions.

The integration of AI tools into newsrooms can streamline operations, assist with data analysis, and automate routine tasks. However, these technologies work most effectively when complemented by journalists who possess strong emotional awareness and interpersonal skills. This combination allows media professionals to produce reporting that is both technologically sophisticated and deeply human-centred.

Why It Matters for Ghana

For Ghana's media landscape, this advice carries particular significance. The country's press has long been regarded as one of West Africa's freest and most vibrant, and it plays a crucial role in holding public institutions accountable, informing citizens, and facilitating national dialogue on critical issues from governance to economic development.

As newsrooms increasingly adopt digital platforms and data-driven storytelling methods, the ability of journalists to maintain credibility and audience trust hinges on their capacity to report responsibly whilst understanding the emotional and social context of their stories. Additionally, with many Ghanaian media organisations operating with limited resources, staff members who can expertly leverage AI tools to work more efficiently whilst maintaining editorial standards can add significant value to their employers.

The media engagement by Ghana Gas also reflects corporate Ghana's growing recognition of media as a strategic stakeholder group. By investing in the professional development of journalists, particularly those covering crucial sectors like energy—which Ghana Gas operates in—companies can foster better understanding and more informed reporting on industry developments that affect the country's economic future.

Looking Forward

Industry experts suggest that media practitioners who proactively develop both technical competencies and soft skills will be better positioned for leadership roles within news organisations. For Ghana's media ecosystem, this trend underscores the importance of continuous professional development, especially as the industry navigates the transition to digital-first operations and seeks to maintain public trust in an era of misinformation and competing narratives.

Media trainers and professional organisations across Ghana are encouraged to incorporate modules on emotional intelligence and AI literacy into their programmes, ensuring that the country's journalists remain equipped to serve the public effectively for years to come.