By Robert Tachie Menson
Sunyani, (Bono), Oct. 17, GNA – Mr. Bernard Ato Otabil, the Communication Director of the Bank of Ghana (BoG) has urged the media to put a spotlight on positivity and impactful stories to consolidate national economic gains.
He said the media ought to help the nation consolidate its economic gains, by highlighting remarkable successes and economic achievements.
Mr Otabil said presently the nation’s inflation stood at 9.4 per cent (a four-year low) and within the target band.
He was speaking at a media training workshop organised by the Central Bank, in Sunyani, in line with the BoG’s efforts to empower the media to interpret and accurately report on economic issues, monetary policy decisions, and their implications.
The participants were taken through topics like the mandate and regulatory role of the BoG, understanding monetary policy committee statements and submissions by members as well as inflation dynamics.
They were also enlightened with developments in the foreign exchange market, the BoG Data Pack and the Central Bank Balance Sheet.
Mr Otabil said: “Positive stories on the macroeconomics fundamental which has led to the recovery of economy with low and stable inflation, interest rates falling, high reserve accumulation, stable currency pointed to strong and confident economic outlook should not be set aside by the media but must be given the needed attention and focus they deserve in the media.
“The stable currency points to a strong and confident economic outlook should not also be set aside by the media, but must be given the needed attention and required focus they deserve”, he stated, saying “the untold story of how high and unstable inflation can rob us of our hard-earned savings is not being echoed enough”.
Mr Otabil stressed the Central Bank’s commitment in ensuring that inflation was not only stabilized but remained low as well, and urged the media to make their stories informed investor decisions, influence market action and ultimately define economic growth and sustainable development.
He said: “We must mean well for the nation by eschewing diabolic interests that will hurt the country and stay on course of patriotism regardless of the difficulties we face”.
Mr Otabil called on the media to endeavour to protect and defend the truth, in spite of risk and dangers, urging the practitioners to remain professional.
GNA
Edited by Dennis Peprah/Benjamin Mensah