The Vice-Chairman of the Upper East Regional Chapter of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), Osman Muntawakilu has called on journalists to place accuracy above speed in their line of reportage. Mr. Muntawakilu notes that fairness and impartiality, truth and accuracy, accountability, and independence are the trademarks of professional journalism.
He was speaking at a round table discussion on conflict-sensitive reporting with selected media practitioners in the region.
It was organized by the Upper East Regional Peace Council in collaboration with the West African Network for Peacebuilding ( WANEP-Ghana).
The conflict-sensitive reporting for the journalists came through a project known as Northern Ghana Governance Activity, a USAID-supported project through the feed the future initiative.
According to the Upper East Regional Vice-Chairman of the GJA, journalists can avoid the issue of retraction and rejoiners of stories they publish when they fact-check on issues before reporting.
“To avoid retraction and rejoinders, stories should be balanced, “differentiate between facts, opinions, and commentary such that news is presented objectively without embellishment”, he stated.
He said it was the responsibility of journalists to uphold the public interest which would keep duty bearers on their toes, which can be achieved when the media are guided by the GJA Code of Ethics.
“Recognize the public’s right to fair, unbiased, accurate, balanced, and comprehensive information. Place accuracy above speed in all forms of publications”, he entreated.
On his part, the General Manager of A1 Radio and an aspirant for the Upper East Regional chairmanship position of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), William Nlanjerbor Jalulah commended media personnel in the region for their show of professionalism in conflict reporting.
“Even though some reports were untoward, the media in the region has done excessively well in managing conflicts in the region,” he said.
He reminded colleagues in the inky fraternity that they should be mindful that “you are not supposed to accept bribes or any form of inducement to influence the performance of your work”.
Mr. Jalulah admonished the journalists to at all times protect the confidentiality of sources of information.
Addressing the media on the ethics of professional journalism, Mr. Jalulah said called the journalist to not intrude into anybody’s private life, grief or distress unless justified by overriding consideration of public interest.
Source: A1Radioonline.com|101.1Mhz|Joshua Asaah
