Energy News Africa Ltd. has organized a capacity-building training program for journalists in Accra to improve the accuracy and credibility of energy reporting in Ghana.
Themed “Navigating the Complexities of Social Media: Best Practices for Accurate Energy Reporting,” the workshop was held at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research – Science and Technology Policy Research Institute (CSIR-STEPRI).
The program brought together key journalists covering the energy sector to equip them with best practices for reporting in the digital age.
Michael Creg Afful, Managing Editor of Energy News Africa Ltd. and lead organizer, emphasized the importance of the training in his opening remarks. He noted that the media plays a crucial role in shaping public perception of the energy sector, and journalists must be equipped to produce factual and well-researched stories.
Dr. Kwame Ampofo, Former Chairman of the Energy Commission and Chairman of the workshop, echoed similar sentiments. He stated that enhancing journalists’ writing skills and guiding them on fact-checking would ensure that energy-related news remains accurate and credible.
Addressing the risks of misinformation in the media, Charles Wundengba, CEO of Wundef Media, cautioned journalists about the rampant spread of fake news on social media.
He stressed the need for reporters to understand their subject matter, verify sources and dates, present balanced perspectives, fact-check statistics, and clarify terminologies before publishing stories.
Former Managing Director of the Tema Oil Refinery (TOR) advised journalists to be thorough in their investigations, urging them to seek clarification before publishing stories that might misrepresent the realities of the energy sector.
Adding to the discussion, Ambassador Kabral Blay-Amihere, Former Board Chairman of GRIDCo, underscored the importance of journalists having a deep understanding of the energy sector’s structure.
“If you want to be an energy reporter, know all the chains of command in the energy sector and always verify and fact-check to avoid misleading the public,” he advised.
Dr. Riverson Oppong, CEO of the Chamber of Oil Marketing Companies (COMAC), also addressed the attendees, urging them to scrutinize their sources, cross-check information with reputable media outlets, and assess the credibility of authors before reporting on energy-related stories.
The training program is a step in promoting responsible journalism in Ghana’s energy sector, equipping journalists with the necessary skills to navigate the complexities of social media while ensuring accurate and fact-based reporting.