ACP Opare-Addo appeals to media to crosscheck facts

Sunyani(B/A), Jan.30, GNA - Assistant Commissioner of Police Kwaku Ayesu Opare-Addo and Brong-Ahafo Regional Police Commander, on Monday appealed to the media to crosscheck information from the command to ensure accurate reportage on events.

He noted that since the media "is a powerful tool and Fourth Estate of the Realm" it had an influence on the country's socio-economic development therefore; media practitioners should ensure balanced reportage to avoid creating unnecessary tensions.

ACP Opare-Addo made the appeal at a meeting with media practitioners in the region at the Brong Ahafo Regional Police Headquarters in Sunyani.

He asked media practitioners to cooperate with the police to maintain and sustain the prevailing peace in the region and the country. "We want to make friends with journalists and we do not want their work to be difficult, so let us ensure that we operate in an environment devoid of unproductive tensions," ACP Opare-Addo added.

ACP Opare-Addo said protecting life and property, as well as sustaining peace and order was not the sole responsibility of the police and appealed to the media to assist in combating crime in the region. On arrests by the police, he advised the public to comport themselves when being arrested for any offence to avoid unnecessary heckling from the police, who are empowered to use "reasonable force" to effect arrests.

ACP Opare-Addo reminded the public that granting of bail did not attract any fee and advised them to report any police personnel who would collect money before granting bail to the police administration. Mr Charles Koomson, President of Brong Ahafo Regional branch of Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) expressed appreciation to the Brong Ahafo Regional Police Command for the meeting and education on police operations.

He appealed to qualified media practitioners in the region to register with the association and act responsibly within the ethics of the noble profession.