Exercise moderation on the Yendi issue - NMC

The National Media Commission (NMC) has appealed to the media to exercise moderation and circumspection in reporting on the situation in Yendi.

Mr Yaw Boadu Ayeboafoh, Executive Secretary of NMC said in an interview that, "what is happening in Yendi has wider implications for the security of the nation and we should not assume that Accra is detached from the conflict area".

He said there might be Dagombas all over the country that might be aligned to one side or the other, and therefore if the media were not cautious, it could inflame passions. Mr Ayeboafoh asked Journalists to desist from quoting eyewitnesses since they might also be aligned to one side or the other thus causing one form of problem or the other.

"They must ensure that they talk rather to the security agencies on the ground. It is unfortunate that earlier stories quoted eyewitnesses instead of the security agencies. If you quote the security agencies, you are less liable. This will reduce the incidence of publishing anything from any source."

Mr Ayeboafoh said Journalists have their credibility at stake and should jealously guard against it at all times. The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) Code of Ethics demanded respect for ethnic sensibility and respect for national ethics. "We must exercise care in matters of this nature so that we do not stoke the embers," he emphasised. Mr Ayeboafoh urged the security apparatus to co-operate with the media and update them regularly with the objective realities of issues on the ground.