The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), the Ghana Independent Broadcasters Association (GIBA) and the Private Newspapers and Online News Publishers Association of Ghana (PRINPAG), as well as its partners, the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) and the New Media Association, have cautioned the Ghanaian media, especially editors to fact-check credibility of those who call on them or their media houses to cover their events.
The Coalition was reacting to the recent brouhaha over Chef Smith’s claim that he was awarded a certificate by the Guinness World Record as the Longest Cooking Marathon Record Holder.
Few weeks ago, Ghanaian Chef, Ebenezer Smith popularly known as Chef Smith called for a press conference and declared himself a Guinness World Record Longest Cooking Marathon Record Holder.
The media presence at the event indicated how practitioners were enthusiastic to share the news of his achievement.
Unfortunately, the Guinness World Record revealed that it has not given Chef Smith any certificate as he displayed at the Press Conference.
After this, the media again informed the public about the fake news.
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Speaking on behalf of the coalition at a joint press conference in Accra on Tuesday, July 16,2024, President of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), Mr Albert Kwabena Dwumfour described as embarrassing the media’s rush to publish the news which was fake.
He said although the media is the same platform used to expose the fraudulence of Chef Smith, the situation exposed the media.
Mr Dwumfour therefore urged practitioners to fact check before putting out any information, especially during electioneering.
To editors, he urged them to check the credibility of individuals or persons who call on the media to cover events, especially if they are not politicians, institutions or credible orgaisations.
“The media needs to fact check henceforth. Aside from corporate bodies, political parties and identifiable groups, editors need to carry out background checks to ascertain the veracity of any person who invites the media for a press conference, ” He added.
Meanwhile, Chef Smith has apologised for lying to all Ghanaians.
Ghana| Atinkaonline.com| Porcia Oforiwaa Ofori
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