Accra:The Director of Communications for the Bank of Ghana, Bernard Otabil, highlighted the essential role that ethical financial journalism plays in fighting misinformation and disinformation, which he described as significant global threats. He made these remarks during a welcome address at the commencement of a three-day training workshop for the Bank of Ghana Press Corps.
According to Ghana Web, the workshop is part of the Bank's ongoing efforts to cultivate a well-informed media landscape, emphasizing the importance of a clear understanding of monetary policy for its effective communication and public trust. Otabil extended a special welcome to Suleiman Mustapha of the Ghana Journalists Association and other attendees.
The workshop's agenda includes discussions on media reporting ethics, the regulatory role of the Bank, and insights into the central bank's balance sheet. Subsequent sessions will address the Domestic Gold Purchase Programme, foreign exchange market trends, inflation dynamics, and interpreting Monetary Policy Committee statements, which Otabil labeled as a significant transparency reform. The final day will focus on case studies related to ethical dilemmas in financial journalism.
Otabil stressed the role of the Press Corps in conveying economic developments, noting that accuracy in journalism is both a professional virtue and an economic asset. He also explained the critical nature of ethics in financial journalism, stating that inaccurate reporting can significantly influence market behavior. Ethical reporting, he emphasized, acts as the first line of defense against misinformation and disinformation.
He cited the World Economic Forum's Global Risks Report, which identifies misinformation and disinformation as severe threats, fueled by technology and digital platforms. Otabil underscored the importance of credibility in journalism, noting that ethical standards help anchor public expectations, protect savings, and maintain economic stability.
Otabil reaffirmed the Bank's dedication to its partnership with the media through expanded training programs and other initiatives. He thanked participants for their continued collaboration and encouraged active engagement during the workshop.