Media must guard against misinformation during election period – Prof. Hinson

The Pro-Vice-Chancellor of Ghana Communication Technology University, Professor Robert Ebo Hinson, has urged the media to prioritize ethical reporting as Ghana approaches its December 7 elections.

Speaking at the Media Executives Breakfast organized by the Africa Media Bureau on November 28, Prof. Hinson emphasized the media’s critical role in fostering peace and informed decision-making during elections.

The event, themed “Ethical Considerations and Risks in Programming for Social Media: Responsible Election Reporting,” explored the importance of accurate, balanced coverage and the dangers of misinformation and disinformation.

Prof. Hinson distinguished between the two, warning against intentional falsehoods that erode public trust.

He called on journalists to balance free expression with the potential harm of their content, avoid political propaganda, and responsibly handle sensitive user data to maintain ethical standards and public confidence.