The Program Manager and Team Lead for Security Sector Governance at the Centre for Democratic Development Ghana (CDD-Ghana), Paul Nana Aborampah Mensah, has called on media practitioners across Ghana to exercise caution and circumspection in their coverage of volatile situations, warning that careless reporting can inflame tensions rather than manage them.
Mr. Aborampah Mensah made the call during a capacity-building workshop on Conflict-Sensitive Journalism and National Security, held in Tamale, the Northern Regional capital. The workshop was organised under CDD-Ghana’s project titled: “Bridging the Gap: Promoting Socio-Economic Inclusion, Social Cohesion, and Peace-Building for the Vulnerable,” and brought together journalists and media professionals from three regions — the Upper East, North East, and Western regions—to sharpen their understanding of the role the press plays in conflict situations.
In his presentation, Mr. Aborampah emphasised that the media’s primary responsibility is to equip the public with verified, factual information—not to compete for the distinction of being first to publish. He cautioned that the race for speed over accuracy is a recipe for misinformation that can deepen societal fault lines. “Rushing to be the first to break the news is nothing but an uninformed agenda. Journalists should be the ones with the facts,” Mr. Aborampah stated.
He further urged journalists to avoid the use of generalised language and sweeping characterisations that risk creating or widening divisions among communities. Instead, he said, reporters should invest more time in thorough investigation to uncover and accurately present the root causes of the issues they cover.
According to him, this approach, depth over speed, and precision over sensation is what will effectively steer the public away from polarisation and foster a more informed, cohesive society. He stressed that responsible journalism is not merely a professional obligation but a civic duty, particularly in an era where misinformation spreads rapidly through social media and other digital platforms.
CDD-Ghana’s “Bridging the Gap” project seeks to strengthen democratic governance and social resilience by promoting inclusive dialogue, economic empowerment, and peace-building efforts among vulnerable communities in Ghana.
The capacity-building workshop forms part of a broader series of interventions aimed at equipping key stakeholders, including the media, with the tools and awareness needed to contribute constructively to national security and stability.
