Media practitioners in Ghana have been advised to avoid activities that may compromise their integrity as journalists or damage their credibility in order to be effective in the discharge of their duties especially as Ghana goes to the polls in December.
A National Media Commission (NMC) guideline on Election 2012 obtained by the Ghana News Agency in Accra on Thursday also tasked media practitioners that irrespective of their political party affiliations and beliefs must remain impartial in their dealings with political parties.
"Journalists need to be guided by the code of ethics of the profession as enshrined in the Ghana Journalists Association, NMC guidelines on Election Coverage as well as Ghana Independent Broadcaster's Association," the NMC stated.
GNA observed that the NMC also cautioned the state- owned media not endorse any political party or candidate whilst encouraging the private media that their endorsement of candidates or political parties must be balanced to preserve the credibility and integrity of the media.
The NMC reminded media houses not limit their political coverage to just campaigns, but rather extend it to encompass all phases up to and including the declaration of the results.
"As far as possible, the media shall endeavor to provide coverage at all levels of political campaigning from the constituency to the national level.
"Media practitioners in their reportage must distinguish between the government and the activities of the ruling political party…presentation of government activities during elections should be weighed carefully to ensure that incumbent government does not gain unfair access to the media where bona fide news needs to be covered without giving the impression of bias" the NMC stated.
NMC also expects media practitioners to avoid all actions that could compromise their own integrity, judgment or the reputation of their organizations by, for example refusing to accept bribe or other inducements.