Media must report accurately and objectively

By Solomon K. Naambir, GNA
Techiman (B/A), Aug. 2, GNA - The Techiman Municipal Electoral Officer, Mr Wahid Sidique, has underlined the need for journalists to get their reports on the coming election right.

He said they should make sure that their news stories were accurate and not based on gossip and speculation.

Mr Sidique said journalists needed to avoid doing the unethical to prevent needless controversies and help keep the political temperature low.

Mr Sidique was speaking at a workshop organised by the Municipal Security Task Force for media practitioners, managers and presenters of FM radio stations in the municipality.

He indicated that the media had vital role to play to make the presidential and parliamentary elections successful and said that demanded maintaining high standards of professionalism and good judgement.

He called for strong support for the Electoral Commission (EC) for the conduct of a clean, fair and transparent polls.

Mr Sidique invited the National Commission on Civic Education, political parties, the media and traditional authorities to work together with the EC to help voters to have better understanding of the electoral laws.

Police Chief Superintendent Emmanuel Twumasi-Ankrah, the Municipal Commander, gave the assurance that the police and other security agencies were ready for the polls.

He said they had put in place adequate security arrangements to make the election trouble-free.

The Reverend Prince O. Asaku, Chairman of the Municipal Peace Council, pleaded with the media not to cause fear and panic through sensationalism.

GNA