The Private Newspaper and Online Publishers Association of Ghana (PRINPAG) has organized a capacity-building workshop for its members, aimed at promoting professionalism and integrity in election reporting ahead of the upcoming national elections. The event, which brought together journalists from across the country, sought to address concerns about the politicization of the media and its potential negative impact on national development.
In his opening remarks, the President of PRINPAG, Andrew Edwin Arthur, bemoaned the increasing politicization of the media, which he believes undermines professionalism. “This is why PRINPAG has thought it wise to organize this capacity enhancement workshop,” he stated, emphasizing the association’s commitment to safeguarding the integrity of its members. He warned that the Executive would not hesitate to take action against members who engage in sensationalism and unprofessional practices that could lead to national unrest as the elections approach.
Hon. Eric Tetteh, the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for Yilo Krobo, echoed similar sentiments, urging journalists to adhere to professionalism in their work. He stressed that the media’s role is to hold the government accountable, but this should be done with the right context to ensure public understanding. “The challenges the government faces are not unique to Ghana but are part of a global phenomenon. These facts should be made known so that no one takes undue advantage of the situation,” he noted. Hon. Tetteh also used the platform to invite investment into the agricultural sector, particularly in Yilo Krobo’s thriving mango production.
Addressing the issue of misinformation, Barfuor Appiah, the Eastern Regional Director of the Electoral Commission, called on the media to collaborate with the Commission to maintain the sanctity of the electoral process. He highlighted the dangers posed by fake news and urged journalists to prioritize factual reporting to preserve public trust in the electoral system. “The phenomenon of fake news must stop now,” Appiah stressed.
PRINPAG’s Executive Secretary, Jeorge Wilson Kingson, in his overview of the workshop, underscored the critical need for journalists to be continually equipped with accurate information to enable objective election coverage. He emphasized that the media’s role in informing and educating the public is crucial to ensuring a transparent and fair electoral process.
The Minister for Information, Hon. Fatimatu Abubakar, added her voice to the call for ethical and responsible journalism. She highlighted the potential dangers of misinformation and disinformation, citing studies that suggest their impact could be more damaging than the COVID-19 pandemic. “It is more important now than ever to train journalists, especially as we head into the election season,” she said, urging the media to prioritize fact-checking to avoid stoking unnecessary tensions. She also expressed concern over the declining professional standards in the media landscape.
The workshop concluded with a collective call for journalists to prioritize the safety and well-being of the country in their election reporting, reinforcing the need for integrity and professionalism as Ghana heads towards its elections.
Source: Clement Akoloh||africanewsradio.com
