A-two-day media training workshop on investigative reporting has ended in Kumasi with a call on Journalists to prioritize personal safety in the course of their duties.
Mr Kwetey Nartey, the Head of Investigations Department, Joy News, who made the call, asked Journalists to be more sensitive and safety conscious in order not to expose themselves and their families to unnecessary dangers and attacks.
The Ghana Anti-Corruption Coalition (GACC) in partnership with the Ghana Audit Service (GAS) with support from the Hewlett Foundation organised the workshop to enlighten the participants on the Auditor’s General (AG’s) Report.
Attended by Journalists drawn from the Eastern, Western North, Ashanti, Bono, Bono East and Ahafo Regions, the workshop further sought to empower the participants with the required skills to navigate through, interpret and churn out compelling stories from the AG’s Report.
It was on the theme: “Building Evidence for Increased Accountability in Ghana through a Multi-Stakeholder Accountability”
Mr Nartey said Journalists must prioritize their safety above the investigative stories being worked on by ensuring that they followed the personal safety protocols put in place by their various organizations.
He said the precious lives of Journalists and their immediate families ought to be protected, and asked investigative reporters to remain professional and adhere to high journalistic standards in the discharge of their duties.
Mr Frederick Lokko, Assistant Director of Audit/Information Officer of the GAS, said no circumstance should push the investigative journalists and the media in general to undermine their personal safety.
He asked Journalists to always report to the police whenever they sensed danger in “chasing the story” in order not to put their lives at risk.
Mr Patrick Neequaye, an Assistant Auditor General, entreated the media to do more, analyze and understand the contents of the AG’s Report, produced annually in order not to misinform the public.
He said: “It’s not enough for the media to report solely on irregularities in audited accounts of state and parastatal institutions”, asking the media to also highlight the other areas of the Report for the society to better understand and appreciate the content of the AG’s Report.
As watchdogs, Mr Neequaye said journalists ought to be well empowered to do their work effectively and efficiently.
Some of the participants commended the GACC and its partners for the workshop pledged to utilize the knowledge acquired to enhance their work.