The National Coordinator of the District Road Improvement Programme (DRIP) and former Member of Parliament for Odododiodio Constituency, Nii Lante Vanderpuye, has called for stronger collaboration between the media and security agencies to prevent confrontations during field assignments.

Speaking on ChannelOne TV’s Breakfast Daily show on Thursday, July 31, Nii Lante Vanderpuye urged journalists to proactively reach out to the Public Relations Officers (PROs) of security agencies before covering any operation involving security personnel.

He explained that such communication could provide clarity on whether an operation is sanctioned, restricted, or open for coverage.

According to him, this would help journalists avoid situations that could result in confrontation or misunderstanding.

“When the military is involved, it’s important to identify yourself clearly and engage the officer in charge. Sometimes, the officer may explain why coverage is restricted, and that opens the door for negotiation or follow-up,” he said.

He further stressed the need for media houses to adopt internal protocols when sending journalists on such assignments.

“Before a journalist leaves the office to cover such operations, there must be an understanding of how to approach the situation and who to contact. Building that relationship with the military PR office is key,” he added.

The veteran journalist further called on the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) to establish a regular platform for interaction between media practitioners and the security services.

“We need to also act responsibly at all times within the permit of the ethics and the code of conduct of our profession,” he said.

“This is why the Ghana Journalists Association should work towards a permanent framework for interaction, so that both the media and security services understand each other’s roles and limits, especially in tense or sensitive environments,” he stated.

His remarks follow recent public concern over the assault an eyewitness and the arrest of a JoyNews journalist by military officers during a live report on the McDan warehouse demolition exercise.

AS/VPO

GhanaWeb Special: The gold market that fuels galamsey