The Ghana News Agency’s (GNA’s) reporters for the 2024 general election have been advised to exhibit the highest ethical standards while on the field.
They have been urged to be disciplined and ensure high professionalism throughout the process and to ensure their reports were accurate and factual.
Mr Caesar Abagali, the Upper West Regional Manager of the GNA, gave the advice in Wa on Monday, during a training for the Agency’s reporters and stringers on election coverage.
The training was to prepare the reporters and stringers for effective coverage of Ghana’s upcoming presidential and parliamentary elections on December 7, 2024.
“Try to be at the polling station before 7:00 A.M so that you can be there before the start of voting.
Observe the process and whatever will be happening there but don’t interfere, yours is only to observe,” he admonished.
Mr Abagali indicated that GNA thrived on accuracy, speed and balance and urged the reporters to ensure timely filing of their reports on the day.
“GNA stories compete with stories from other media houses so if you send a story that should have been done in the morning, if you send that story in the afternoon, it might not be used”, he said.
He also entreated them to take their security very seriously to ensure they were alive to report the news.
He said it was important for journalists not to put themselves in their stories, saying “If you want to remain credible concentrate on balance reportage to ensure fairness”.
Mr Abagali also took the opportunity to encourage the newly recruited GNA election reporters in the region to consider stringing for the Agency after the election.
The Upper West Region has eleven constituencies – Lawra, Wa Central, Nandom, Lambussie, Jirapa, Nadowli-Kaleo, Daffiama-Bussie-Issa, Wa West, Wa East, Sissala East and Sissala West.
Source: GNA
