Executive Secretary of the Private Newspaper and Online News Publishers Association of Ghana (PRINPAG), Jeorge Wilson Kingson, has stressed the increasing potential for misinformation and the crucial role journalists must play to combat it.
He emphasized the importance of fact-checking and responsible reporting in safeguarding the integrity of Ghana’s electoral processes ahead of the 2024 general elections.
“The potential for misinformation is higher than ever. An uninformed journalist who cannot verify the information they receive is a danger to society,” he said.
Presenting an overview of a training workshop for members of PRINPAG on Friday, September 13, at Somanya, Jeorge Kingson underscored the need for regular training and upgrade of journalists.
This, he said, was the driving force behind PRINPAG’s decision to organize the workshop.
The workshop, themed “Empowering journalists for credible elections: Enhancing reporting and fact-checking skills,” was a collaboration with the Ministry of Information.
The workshop, he said, was aimed to equip journalists with both online and offline tools to help them verify information, whether they are in the office or on the field and emphasized that accuracy is paramount in reporting, especially during election periods.
“This is to ensure that the newspaper reports the truth, that your audience is well-informed, and that you do not inadvertently mislead the public during this crucial time,” Kingston noted.
The workshop covered various aspects of election reporting, from understanding electoral processes to the ethical considerations journalists must bear in mind when covering elections. In addition, the participants received thorough training on fact-checking techniques.
According to him, these techniques will help members sift through misinformation, debunk false claims, and ensure that they are always providing the public with accurate, evidence-based reports.
The workshop included real-world scenarios, case studies, and practical methods to further hone the skills of the journalists in attendance.
The training was provided by a Political Science lecturer at the University of Ghana, Dr Kwame Asah-Asante and Kwaku Krobea Asante, journalist, media trainer, researcher and Senior Programme Manager at the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA)
Jeorge Kingson reminded journalists of their duty to inform and educate the public while upholding the integrity of the electoral process.
He said, “As journalists, we have a tremendous responsibility to inform, educate, and uphold the integrity of our electoral processes and I believe this training will better equip us to address all these challenges.”
He thanked the participants for their dedication and encouraged them to apply the knowledge gained during the workshop in their election coverage.