Nana Addo Tells Media To Be Circumspect In Reportage

President Akufo-Addo has urged journalists in the country to be circumspect in their reportage of national issues.

He said journalists must recognize their role in national development and avoid sacrificing their integrity to report untrue stories that could destabilize the country.

Speaking at the 2018 congregation of the Ghana Institute of Journalist which took place at the school's new campus at Dzorwulu in Accra, Akufo-Addo also urged media owners to invest in the capacity of their staff to enable them to uphold the highest standard in the profession.

“Let me encourage media owners, in particular, to invest continuously in building the capacity of their staff. I call on media practitioners in the country also to take a second look at the power their wield and the responsibility they owe society with the view to ensuring they do not sacrifice integrity and the future of our society.”

The president further lamented the failure of mainstream media in the country to admit in most instances when they err in their reportage.

“The worrying trend is that, in many cases, even after the public has been misinformed and the full facts are later made known, mainstream media often chickens out of an open, honest acknowledgement that we were wrong,” he said.

The Ghana Institute of Journalism is a public university in Ghana accredited to run degree programs including Journalism and Public Relations. It is considered the country’s premier communications and journalism school.

Over 400 students graduated from the school at the 12th congregation.