Journalist urged to refuse favours

Ho, March 6, GNA - Mr Desmond Duametu, Volta Regional Director of the Social Investment Fund (SIF) on Friday exhorted journalists to refuse to accept money and other favours meant to influence their judgement from politicians.

He said journalists who allowed such gifts to influence them would be acting in gross dereliction of their responsibilities. Mr Duametu was speaking at a press-soiree for members of the Volta Regional Branch of the Ghana Journalist Association in Ho. The Volta regional head office of the Ghana Telecom and Chances Hotel in Ho sponsored it.

Mr Duametu noted that a good journalist should be able to prevent intemperate language from what is put out for public consumption. A journalist's responsibility is to the nation and nothing else, he reiterated. "Ghana is the only country we have, in everything let's put Ghana first".

Mr Douglas Wagba, Volta Regional Head of GT said journalists should endeavour to reflect all sides on issues and leave judgement to readers or audience.

Mr Frank Anku, Volta Regional Director of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), said the NCCE had drawn up a plan to educate the public on the upcoming elections but lamented that it lacked the resources such as vehicles.

Mr Steve Selormey, Regional Coordinating Director, said the Volta Regional Coordinating Council was ready to support education programmes on the elections.