"Geolocate digital content and verify sources before publication" - CSA Boss urges Journalists

The Director-General of the Cyber Security Authority (CSA), Divine Selase Agbeti, has urged journalists to geolocate digital material where possible and cross-check information with credible official and community sources before publishing reports, particularly on national security, communal conflicts and public emergencies.

According to him, the rapid spread of digital content has made it increasingly important for journalists to establish the authenticity and origin of information before amplifying it to the public.

Mr. Agbeti said unverified videos, photographs, social media posts and other digital materials could easily be taken out of context or misrepresented, with the potential to create fear, escalate tensions and undermine public confidence.

He made the call at the closing ceremony of a two-day residential training workshop organised for members of the Private Newspapers and Online Publishers Association of Ghana (PRINPAG) at the Platinum Bay Hotel, Abokobi.

The workshop was held under the theme “Media as a Strategic Partner in National Security.”

The CSA Director-General urged journalists to adopt the principle of “verify before amplifying”, stressing that speed should not come at the expense of accuracy, especially when reporting matters with potential security implications.

He encouraged newsrooms to use available digital verification techniques, including geolocation, while independently cross-checking information with credible official institutions, eyewitnesses and trusted community sources.

Mr. Agbeti also cautioned journalists against publishing sensitive operational information that could compromise security investigations or expose individuals to danger.

He advised media practitioners to exercise caution when reporting tactical positions, identities of protected persons, sensitive investigative details and other information that could potentially be exploited by criminals or hostile actors.

While acknowledging the media’s responsibility to inform the public, he said journalists must strike a careful balance between the public’s right to know and legitimate national security considerations.

Mr. Agbeti further urged media organisations to issue prompt and prominent corrections whenever inaccurate information is published, noting that corrections should be given enough visibility to reach audiences who may have already encountered the original report.

He said responsible journalism was not necessarily about avoiding every mistake, but about responding transparently and professionally when errors occurred.

The CSA boss also called on PRINPAG to establish a dedicated newsroom protocol for national security and cyber-incident reporting, with clear guidelines on verification, source protection, sensitive information, corrections and engagement with relevant authorities.

He noted that the ultimate measure of the training would be the extent to which participants translated the lessons into improved newsroom practices and more responsible reporting.

The workshop forms part of broader efforts to strengthen collaboration between Ghana’s media and security institutions while equipping journalists with the skills needed to operate responsibly within an increasingly complex digital information environment.

Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith