The Bank of Ghana has urged journalists to uphold ethical standards in financial reporting, warning that inaccurate or misleading reports on inflation, interest rates and monetary policy could trigger market panic and undermine economic stability.
The Bank says accuracy, verification, balance and clarity in financial journalism are essential to helping households and businesses make informed economic decisions.
Addressing journalists at the opening of a three-day training workshop organised by the Central Bank, the Director of Communication, Dr Bernard Otabil, stressed that although many Ghanaians may not read the Bank’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) reports, they rely on media headlines and news reports to understand economic developments.
He explained that misleading headlines on inflation, interest rates or the policy rate could fuel speculation, create unnecessary panic and negatively affect households and businesses.
He also expressed concern about the growing threat of misinformation and disinformation, particularly in an era of artificial intelligence, deepfakes and the rapid spread of information on digital platforms.
According to him, coordinated disinformation campaigns targeting currencies and financial markets pose risks to central banks and economies worldwide, making credibility an essential asset for journalists.
Dr Otabil noted that ethical reporting remains a critical defence against misinformation, adding that journalists have a responsibility to provide accurate and balanced information to protect public trust and support economic stability.
The three-day workshop will cover the ethics of financial reporting, the mandate and regulatory role of the Bank of Ghana, and the complexities of the Central Bank’s balance sheet.
The Bank of Ghana says it will continue to strengthen its relationship with the media through expanded training programmes, regional press corps initiatives, editors’ forums, dedicated communication platforms and the Governor’s Economic and Financial Story of the Year Award.
The initiative forms part of efforts to improve financial reporting and strengthen public understanding of monetary policy and economic developments in Ghana.
Story by : Ama Pomaa Kyekyeku
