“Credibility must be a journalist’s most valuable asset” – Bernard Otabil

The Director of Communications at the Bank of Ghana (BoG), Bernard Otabil, has emphasised the need for journalists to uphold credibility and ethical standards in financial reporting to help combat misinformation and protect economic stability.

Speaking at the opening of a three-day training workshop for the Bank of Ghana Press Corps in Koforidua, Mr Otabil warned that misleading reports on inflation, exchange rates and policy rates could trigger panic, fuel speculation and negatively affect households and businesses.

He described ethical journalism, grounded in accuracy, verification, balance and clarity, as the first line of defence against financial misinformation and disinformation, particularly amid the growing influence of artificial intelligence and social media.

The workshop is designed to equip journalists with knowledge of the Bank’s mandate, regulatory functions, balance sheet, domestic gold purchase programme, foreign exchange market, inflation trends and Monetary Policy Committee communications.

Mr Otabil noted that journalists play a crucial role in shaping public understanding of monetary policy, as many citizens depend on media reports to make economic decisions.

He also reaffirmed the Bank’s commitment to strengthening its relationship with the media through continuous training, regional press corps engagements and other communication initiatives.

“Credibility has become journalism’s most valuable asset,” he stressed, urging participants to engage actively in the training and maintain the highest professional standards in their reporting.

Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith