By Regina Benneh
Sunyani, (Bono), Sept. 25 GNA-The Bank of Ghana (BoG) has advised the media to uphold high ethical values and integrity in the discharge of their duties.
Mr Bernard Ato Otabil, the Director of Communications of Central Bank gave the advice in a speech read on his behalf at the fourth edition of the Bono Regional branch of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) awards in Sunyani.
The event was on the theme: “Ethics, integrity and impactful journalism: Essential ingredients for societal transformation”.
Mr Otabil emphasised that: “Ethics is a character which remains central to professional duty and shapes how individuals make decisions”.
He noted that ethics in journalism was not only merely a professional requirement but the foundation upon which public trust was built, saying that accuracy, fairness, objectivity and independence ought to guide every reportage.
“In an era where misinformation and disinformation can spread at an alarming speed, journalists are called upon to act not just as reporters but as custodians of truth”, Mr Otabil advised.
He noted that integrity was one of the one of the six core values of the central bank, urging the media to remain independent, resist undue influences, and place public interest above all interests.
Mr Otabil said a media landscape anchored on integrity strengthened democracy, promoted transparency and empowered citizens to make informed decisions.
He said as the fourth estate, the media was protected under Article 162 of the 1992 Constitution and urged the media to use that mandate to provide reliable information for citizens and policymakers.
Mr Otabil emphasised that although Artificial Intelligence and digital innovation presented opportunities, the media must not undermine the core values of accuracy, fairness and accountability.
He said the BoG in partnership with the GJA has established the Governor’s Economic and Financial Story of the Year (GEFSY) award to encourage accurate reporting on economic and financial matters.
Mr Otabil commended the media in the Bono Region and expressed the hope that the collaboration between the media and the bank would be strengthened to facilitate accelerated national development.
Mrs Regina Benneh Siaw, the Bono Regional Chairperson of the GJA expressed appreciation to major sponsors of the awards including the Newmont Ahafo South Mines and the Newmont Ahafo Development Fund (NADeF) of the Newmont Ghana Gold Limited.
GNA
Edited by Dennis Peprah /Kenneth Odeng Adade
Reporter: Regina Benneh
Email: [email protected]