Report responsibly on COVID-19-GJA to media

The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) has urged the media to report responsibly on the Coronavirus (COVID-19) and as well, avoid creating any unjustified fear and panic among the populace.

In a statement, the GJA was of the belief that the media have a duty to provide citizens with verified, accurate and factual reporting, while avoiding sensationalism that could lead to general panic and fear.
“The media must bear in mind that the public rely on us for information to decide on precautionary measures to take in times like these. We cannot, and dare not, fail them,” GJA stated.
The GJA therefore advised journalists to use reliable scientific sources in their reportage and avoid speculations, while calling on public authorities and medical institutions to provide timely and accurate information to journalists when they call on them.
“Fear-induced vocabulary that could create a state of alarm and which does not correspond to reality should be avoided. Above all, journalists must uphold the privacy of affected people to avoid stigmatization of close relatives,” the GJA added.
The GJA then urged journalists to adhere strictly to the Code of Ethics of the Association, which provides the best antidote for misinformation, fake news and conspiracy theories that are awash on social media as the World Health Organisation describes COVID-19 as a pandemic.
“The GJA further urges journalists to take precautionary measures to stay safe as they work to provide the general public with news and information as required of them,” GJA advised.
“To the general public, let us continue to follow the basic wellness practices, which include washing of hands with soap under running water for, at least, 20 seconds, avoiding touching of eyes, nose and mouth, avoiding close contact with sick people, and covering of nose and mouth when sneezing or coughing,” GJA stated.
Ghana| Atinkaonline.com| Porcia Oforiwaa Ofori