Media practitioners urged to be circumspect in reportage on Election

2008

Kumasi, Oct. 4, GNA - Mr Emmanuel Asamoah Owusu-Ansah, Ashanti Regional Minister has called on media practitioners to be circumspect in their reportage especially in the run-up to Election 2008 in order not to create tension in the country. He said journalists had discretion in their operations but must be exercised reasonably and with decorum. "Critically examine your report whether it would not create tension, inflame ethnicity, political and religious passion," Mr Owusu-Ansah emphasised, at the inauguration of Ashanti Regional Electoral Security Taskforce in Kumasi. It comprises heads of security agencies in the Region. Mr Owusu-Ansah advised journalists to be fair and accurate in their reportage and investigate issues thoroughly before publication or broadcast. He said the taskforce was to assist the Electoral Commission to ensure free and fair Election 2008 and urged the members to remain neutral and tactful in their operations while they remained firm, fair and above reproach. Mr Owusu-Ansah pledged support of the Ashanti Regional Co-ordinating Council and urged members not to hesitate to inform the Council of their problems. He stressed the need for them to liaise with members of Metropolitan, Municipal and District Electoral Security Taskforce and coordinate their activities to ensure peaceful elections in the Region. 04 Oct. 08