Obuasi (Ash), Dec. 05, GNA – The media have been advised to demonstrate a high sense of professionalism in the discharge of their duties as Ghana goes to the polls on December 7.
Mr. Emmanuel Baidoo, Senior Manager-Sustainability, Anglogold Ashanti Ghana (AGAG) Limited, said the media should work within the code of ethics of journalism, because the public depended on them for information.
He said they ought to get their facts right, he stressed, adding that this was necessary to avoid sensationalism and tension in the society.
Mr. Baidoo, addressing journalists at a training workshop at Obuasi in the Ashanti Region, described the media as worthy partners of development, citing the critical role they played in fostering political stability and socio-economic growth.
“Covering the Extractives in an Election Year,” was the theme for the three-day programme, sponsored by the AGAG with technical support from ‘El de D’ Consult, a media training firm.
The programme formed part of the company’s Social Management Plan, and was designed to sharpen the skills for effective reportage by the selected journalists who participated in the training.
Topics included ‘Social Media and Fake News’, the ‘New Media Phenomenon’, ‘Evaluating Online Information and Data’, ‘Dangers of Fake News’ and ‘Covering Mining amidst COVID-19 and Political Campaigning’.
The participants were also taken through the history and processes of mining in Ghana, environmental issues in mining and mitigating factors, the mining sector and key actors.
Mr. Baidoo affirmed the resolve of AGAG to play its role as a catalyst for development to enhance the living conditions of the people.
The Lead Consultant of ‘El de D’, Mr. Fred Avornyo, in a presentation, observed that social media had metamorphosed the way things were done globally.
He said given the effects of the advancement in technology, the media should scrutinize carefully stories or news items on the social media before making use of them, particularly those relating to the Presidential and Parliamentary elections.
GNA