Journalists again urged to act professionally to sustain the peace

Cape Coast, Aug 3, GNA - Mr David Adeenze-Kangah, the Deputy Chairman of the Electoral Commission (EC) in-charge of Finance and Administration, has appealed to journalists to act professionally in order to sustain the peaceful atmosphere prevailing in the country. He cautioned journalists to be circumspect, especially when releasing results of the 2004 General Election.

''It is imperative that journalists distinguish between authenticated and provisional results to avoid unnecessary inflammation of emotions.'' Mr Adeenze-Kangah said this at the opening ceremony of a two-day seminar on "Political Reporting" for journalists, drawn from the Central and Western regions.

The seminar, which is being held nation-wide, under the theme: "Fair and Objective Reportage for 2004 Electioneering Process". It was organised by the National Media Commission (NMC) in collaboration with the EC and the Ghana Journalists' Association (GJA) and sponsored by edrich Ebert Foundation (FES). Mr Adeenze-Kangah said the EC was making efforts to incorporate a training programme for journalists into its budget next year, to reduce the "over-dependence" on sponsorship for such activity in future.

Mr Alex Bannerman, Deputy Executive Secretary in-charge of Operations for NMC, cautioned journalists to be circumspect in their reportage. Mr Affail Monney, Deputy General Secretary for GJA, said the media has done its best to push Ghana's democracy so far and advised journalists to strive to help maintain the growth of the democratic process in the country.