The Information Minister, Fatimatu Abubakar has urged the media to diligently verify information before publication to prevent national chaos and embarrassment.
She referenced the recent incident involving a Ghanaian chef who falsely claimed recognition by Guinness for a cook-a-thon, which was widely reported without proper verification.
In an interview in Accra on Monday, Madam Abubakar called the situation an embarrassment for the country and stressed the need for careful fact-checking. She warned that similar falsehoods in the political realm, especially during elections, could lead to significant conflicts.
“The media has the responsibility to verify every information before publication…it’s dangerous to spread falsehood because it could lead us into chaos,” she stated.
Additionally, to decentralize government communication and keep citizens informed about various projects, Madam Abubakar announced that her Ministry will hold regional town hall meetings and exhibitions starting at the end of July. These meetings will involve regional and sector ministers, along with key government appointees, to address questions from journalists and community members about government initiatives.
Topics will cover areas such as roads, health, education, water and sanitation infrastructure, and other local concerns. The aim of these meetings and exhibitions is to ensure transparency and accountability in government projects and gather feedback from the public.