Nat’l Tymes News Desk
THE PRESS Corps, a media group covering activities of the ruling National Democratic Congress, has intensified efforts to tackle misinformation and disinformation by organising a media training workshop aimed at promoting ethical and responsible journalism.
Held in Accra on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, the workshop brought together journalists and media practitioners to discuss the growing threat of fake news and the critical role of the media in safeguarding public trust and national development.
Speaking at the programme themed, “Combatting Misinformation and Disinformation: The Role of the Media,” Co-Chair of the NDC Press Corps, Michael Petit Mawugbe, urged members of the media to remain professional, truthful and committed to the ethical standards of journalism in an era where false information spreads rapidly, especially through social media platforms.
According to him, the rapid spread of false information, especially on social media, poses a serious threat to public trust and national development.
“We are here today because the way we share and receive information has changed faster than our ability to verify it. False and misleading information can distort public debate, destroy trust and even put lives at risk,” he stressed.
Mr. Mawugbe, who is also President of the Online Publishers Association of Ghana, noted that the 2024 Global Risk Report ranked misinformation and disinformation among the world’s top threats, making it necessary for journalists to play a leading role in combating the menace.
He further appealed to government and the leadership of the NDC to support members of the Press Corps to enable them continue their public education and sensitisation activities.
Patron of the group, Godwin Ako Gunn, commended members for their loyalty and dedication to the party over the years and pledged continuous support for the group’s programmes.
He also advised journalists and social commentators to exercise restraint and responsibility in their reportage and public commentary. Delivering a presentation at the workshop, Communications Lead for Capacity Building and Awareness Creation at the Cyber Security Authority, Mary Ama Bawa, warned that misinformation and disinformation have evolved into organised operations aimed at manipulating public opinion.
She urged journalists to adopt strict verification processes before publishing stories, including verifying sources, preserving evidence and providing proper context to reports.
“Don’t break the news if there is nothing to break, else the law will catch up with you,” she cautioned.
Mrs. Bawa also educated participants on provisions in the Data Protection Act, 2012 (Act 843) and the Cybersecurity Act, 2020 (Act 1038), cautioning journalists against publishing sensitive personal data or engaging in practices that violate privacy and cybersecurity laws.
In a solidarity message, President of the Private Newspapers and Online News Publishers Association of Ghana, David Sitsofe Tamakloe, encouraged journalists to adapt to changing trends in the media landscape and remain professional to sustain their relevance in the industry.
Source: Nationaltymes.com
