‘Media Must Uphold Information Integrity’

The media industry has been advised to maintain information integrity through accurate reporting, as irresponsible journalism can exacerbate social divisions and pose threats to the country's security. Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Shamima Muslim highlighted this concern during a workshop organized by the Private Newspapers and Online News Publishers Association of Ghana (PRINPAG) in Accra.

Muslim emphasized that poor information integrity could amplify existing societal fault lines, such as those between Northerners and Southerners, Christians and Muslims, and the Electoral Commission and political parties, potentially inviting security challenges akin to those found in the Sahel region.

Muslim noted that countries like Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger have witnessed the negative effects of information manipulation, where it is used to undermine trust in institutions. She outlined a strategy employed in these regions: flagging government presence on social media, disparaging traditional media as elite and disconnected, and presenting military personnel as saviors.

Muslim urged journalists and politicians to work together, emphasizing that their collaboration is crucial for upholding democracy and safeguarding public interest. She cited historical examples of journalists advocating for constitutional rule, endorsing the Right to Information Act, and exposing corruption through investigative reporting.

However, Muslim expressed concerns about the challenges faced by print media, including technological changes, reduced advertising revenues, and a credibility crisis due to the spread of unverified information. Despite a decline in print media circulation, Muslim underscored its enduring importance as a reliable source of historical records and documentation.

She stressed that print media provides a foundation for national memory, stored in courts, handouts, and history books. Accurate reporting becomes even more critical during security crises, as misleading headlines and unsubstantiated claims can erode public trust and deepen tensions.

Muslim called on authorities to enhance communication by providing timely and accurate information, preventing speculation and misinformation. When official details are unavailable, she advised that authorities should explain these limitations honestly and issue verified updates as they become available. At the workshop, Muslim joined the National Security Coordinator, COP Abdul-Osman Razak, and the Director-General of the Cyber Security Authority, Divine Selase Agbeti, to discuss strategies for media and state institutions to collaborate effectively.