Minister for Information, Hon. Fatimatu Abubakar, has called on journalists to prioritize fact-checking in their reporting, particularly in the lead-up to the upcoming elections.
Speaking at the opening of a two-day capacity-building workshop for members of the Private Newspaper Publishers Association of Ghana (PRINPAG), she emphasized the critical role of journalists in ensuring credible elections through accurate and ethical reporting.
The workshop, themed “Empowering Journalists for Credible Elections: Enhancing Reporting and Fact-Checking Skills,” is designed to equip journalists with the tools to differentiate professional journalism from the growing influence of bloggers and content creators. Hon. Abubakar noted the evolving media landscape, where misinformation and disinformation are rampant, often blurring the lines between credible journalism and speculative content.
She highlighted the urgent need for journalists to be vigilant, particularly in an age where young people are often more media-savvy than older policymakers. “Now, more than ever, we need to empower our journalists and provide further training so that we are on top of issues and people can distinguish between journalism and content creation,” she said.
Drawing parallels with international standards, the Minister referred to recent examples from the U.S. presidential debate, where fact-checking was immediately applied after each claim made by candidates. She urged Ghanaian journalists to adopt similar practices to hold politicians accountable and ensure that the public receives accurate information.
Hon. Abubakar also warned of the dangers of misinformation, citing recent global examples of how unchecked falsehoods have led to violence and unrest. She emphasized the need for journalists to act ethically and to recognize the far-reaching consequences of their reports, especially during election periods. “You may not be able to stop what you started if misinformation spirals out of control,” she cautioned.
In her address, she acknowledged that while politicians may come and go, the stability and security of Ghana must remain paramount. “After an election, we still need a country called Ghana. At all costs, the brand and security of Ghana must be prioritized over personal or political interests,” she added.
Hon. Abubakar called on journalists to use their platforms responsibly, ensuring that they provide the public with truth-based reporting grounded in professionalism. The Minister urged them to remain vigilant against the growing threat of misinformation, which can destabilize the country and undermine its democratic institutions.
The two-day workshop, supported by the Ministry of Information, is expected to enhance journalists’ skills in fact-checking and reporting, ensuring they play a pivotal role in safeguarding Ghana’s democracy as the nation heads into the 2024 elections.
