Ethics body calls for stronger media role

DODOMA: The Ethics Secretariat has called on the media to intensify its role in promoting integrity, accountability and ethical conduct among public leaders, noting that journalists are key partners in strengthening national governance systems.

Opening a one-day working session for journalists from Dodoma and Singida regions, Assistant Secretary for the Central Zone at the Public Leaders’ Ethics Secretariat, Ms Jasmin Bakari, said the media remains a vital link between the government and people, helping the public to better understand governance processes and the responsibilities of leaders.

The work session sought to enhance cooperation between the Secretariat and media practitioners in safeguarding, promoting and monitoring ethical leadership across the country.

Ms Bakari noted that strong ethical standards form the backbone of good governance, insisting that national development cannot be achieved without integrity at leadership levels.

“Without firm ethics, all our development aspirations cannot be fully realised. Strengthening cooperation between the Ethics Secretariat and the media is therefore essential,” she said.

Ms Bakari emphasised that through their reporting and scrutiny, journalists help raise public awareness on ethical leadership, increase transparency and hold public leaders accountable.

“Working closely with the media enables us to prevent, expose and address unethical practices within public service,” she stressed.

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Ms Bakari said upholding public ethics is a shared responsibility that extends beyond government institutions, adding that stronger cooperation with the media is vital in building a nation led by responsible and ethical leaders.

Presenting the mandates of the Public Leaders’ Ethics Secretariat, Mr Joshua Amon said the institution is legally empowered to oversee ethical conduct among public leaders across the country.

He said the Secretariat is responsible for receiving and investigating complaints on ethical violations, delivering ethics training, conducting research on ethical trends and advising government on integrity matters.

He added that the Secretariat also formulates strategies to promote ethical leadership in line with the Constitution and the Public Leaders’ Ethics Act.