The Minister for Information, Hon. Fatimatu Abubakar, has called on journalists to maintain high standards of professionalism in their reporting, particularly as Ghana approaches the general elections.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of a two-day Capacity Building Workshop on election reporting, organized by the Private Newspapers and Online News Publishers Association of Ghana (PRINPAG) in Somanya, the Minister emphasized the critical need for accuracy in journalism. She highlighted that responsible journalism is essential in reducing the spread of misinformation and disinformation during this pivotal time.
Honourable Abubakar commended PRINPAG for organizing the timely workshop and encouraged participants to fully engage in the training to enhance their skills. She underscored that credible and ethical election coverage is vital for maintaining public trust and ensuring the integrity of the electoral process.
The President PRINPAG, Lawyer Andrew Edwin Arthur noted that evidence abounds about how individuals and corporate organizations are discouraged from channeling important information through the media for fear of such sensitive information being adulterated by journalists. He said this is mainly due to the needless politicization of the media landscape and the lack of respect for the ethics of the profession.
He said media stakeholders must be determined to reverse these negative trends and to reposition the media to regain their enviable place in our national affairs.
Lawyer Arthur asserted that PRINPAG has resolved to put in place various measures to ensure that, members of the Association move away from their current unacceptable practices to one that can engender confidence in all stakeholders.
The workshop aims to equip journalists with the necessary tools to report accurately and responsibly as the country gears up for the December elections.