National Security Coordinator urges journalists to uphold professional neutrality
He also urged the media to refrain from giving unearned coverage to non-state armed groups seeking notoriety
National Security Coordinator, COP Osman Abdul-Razak, has expressed deep worry over the surge in sensationalistic media coverage preceding political events, urging Ghana's Journalists Association to tackle the issue of "journalistic mercenaries" exacerbating political unrest. Addressing the National Policy Dialogue on the Vigilantism and Related Offences Act 2019 at KAIPTC, Abdul-Razak stressed that responsible journalism serves as the country's foremost line of defense against political violence.
He highlighted that media organizations hold immense sway in de-escalating political tensions, but there are increasing concerns about individuals exploiting media outlets to stoke partisan animosity, disseminate false information, and provoke hostility. Abdul-Razak implored broadcasters and online journalists to maintain professional neutrality, thoroughly verify security-related stories before publication, and refrain from granting undue attention to non-state armed groups seeking notoriety.
He affirmed that while state security agencies are fully dedicated to protecting press liberties, journalists must acknowledge their ethical duty in preserving social harmony and national stability.
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