The Minister for Information, Hon Fatimatu Abubakar has underscored the critical need for professionalism and better training within the media and related sectors, emphasizing the growing challenges posed by disinformation globally, including in Ghana.
The Minister was addressing a capacity building workshop for members of the Private Newspapers and Online Publishers of Ghana (PRINPAG), where she stressed that only those elected into the Executive are fully equipped to address the multifaceted challenges facing the open system, noting that the solutions will take time as the issue has seen more progress in recent decades than in centuries.
The capacity building workshop was held under the theme; “Empowering Journalists For Credible Elections: Enhancing Reporting And Fact-Checking Skills.
She highlighted the importance of distinguishing between professional analysis and what ordinary individuals might do, particularly in the context of significant financial consumption patterns.
“The distinction between professional analysis and the work of bloggers or content creators becomes clear when ethics and professionalism are at play,” the Minister stated.
She further emphasized the importance of ongoing training and the need for support from both the military and government to safeguard national interests.
Drawing comparisons with recent U.S. presidential elections, the Minister pointed out the role of fact-checking in maintaining integrity, noting a particular instance where false claims made during the campaign were quickly debunked by the media and security agencies.
Hon Abubakar praised this as a positive development and urged journalists and media professionals to act as guardians of the law, ensuring that the country remains organized post-election.
The Minister also raised concerns about the spread of disinformation in Ghana, citing a recent example where a false claim about a Guinness World Record was published by a respected media outlet without proper verification.
She called for greater editorial diligence to prevent the dissemination of misinformation.
In conclusion, the Minister called for a united effort to maintain professional standards, particularly in the lead-up to and aftermath of national elections, warning against the dangers of allowing disinformation to undermine the country’s stability.
She reiterated the importance of ethical practices in preserving the integrity of the media and the nation as a whole.
On his part, the President of the Private Newspaper Publishers Association of Ghana (PRINPAG), Lawyer Andrew Edwin Arthur expressed profound gratitude to the Minister for her support in realizing an essential capacity-building workshop aimed at enhancing media professionalism.
The President emphasized the critical role of the media in holding those in power accountable and ensuring the sustenance of democracy, but warned that this vital role is under threat due to several negative trends.
The President noted that traditional media’s influence is being eroded by the fragmentation of the media landscape, greed, self-aggrandizement, and the politicization of journalism.
These issues have diminished the media’s status as the Fourth Estate and led to a decline in public trust.
Lawyer Edwin Arthur called for urgent measures to reverse this trend, cautioning that failure to do so could have disastrous consequences for the industry.
To address these challenges, the current leadership of PRINPAG has resolved to implement various interventions aimed at restoring confidence in the media.
One such initiative is the ongoing capacity-building workshop designed to equip journalists with the knowledge and skills needed to report professionally in the digital age.
Electoral Commission
The Eastern Regional Director for the Electoral Commission, Mr. John Barfour Appiah, also spoke at the event, stressing the importance of responsible reporting during these critical times in the nation’s history.
The Director warned against the use of inflammatory language and biased reporting, which could exacerbate tensions and jeopardize peace.
The Director highlighted the role of the media in educating the electorate and ensuring that political parties’ manifestos are accurately communicated to the public.
He urged journalists to adhere strictly to ethical standards and avoid spreading misinformation, which could undermine the credibility of the electoral process.
MCE for Yilo Krobo
The Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for Yilo Krobo, Hon. Eric Tetteh, expressed his delight at the choice of location for the workshop and encouraged participants to consider investing in the municipality.
He emphasized the importance of continuous learning and professional development, urging journalists to take advantage of the training to improve their skills.
The MCE also touched on the broader economic challenges facing the country, cautioning against the politicization of these issues and emphasizing the need for accurate information and education to maintain national peace and stability.
