Ghana-based independent digital energy media, Energy News Africa Limited, has held a capacity-building programme for over 30 selected journalists in Accra, capital of Ghana, to build their capacity on accurate energy sector reporting in the era of social media.
The journalists were selected from the print media, television, radio and online media.
The programme had the theme: Navigating the Complexities of Social Media: Best Practices for Accurate Energy Reporting.
The programme was attended by Charles Wundengba, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Wundef (based in Obuasi, Ashanti Region); Dr Riverson Oppong, CEO of Chamber of Oil Marketing Companies (COMAC); Benjamin Nsiah, Executive Director for Centre for Environmental Management and Sustainable Energy (CEMSE); Ambassador Kabral Blay-Amihere, renowned Journalist and former Board Chairman of GRIDCo, and Dr Kwame Ampofo, former Board Chairman of Energy Commission.
During a presentation, the CEO of Wundef Media, Charles Wundengba, explained that social media was effective but not a substitute for traditional news, arguing that though social media helps in information dissemination, most of its sources ought to be verified before sharing to stem the tide of misinformation and disinformation in the Ghanaian society.
Statistically, he said as of April 2024, Internet users in Ghana had grown to over 24.06 million and social population had reached 7.40 million, while mobile phone users had jumped to 38.95 million.
Touching on how social media has transformed its users to do things presently, he stated that it had impacted very fast on news dissemination by breaking it very fast and spreading it wide, and it has also become easier through the use of citizen journalism.
Explaining how the advent of social media is creating challenges in the society, Wundengba was of the view that the use of artificially generated stories is also sometimes used to dent the credibility of people in the society unjustifiably.
With reference to the impact of inaccurate reportage on the energy sector, he noted that false information on fuel prices could lead to hoarding which would affect the livelihoods of the citizenry in the country.
Commenting on inaccurate reportage in the sector, the Wundef CEO said “any company in the energy sector’s image could be ruined if the right checks are not taken.”
Explaining key strategies for reporting accurately on energy issues, Wundengba, who is also a journalist, urged sector media practitioners to be conversant with the subject matter on energy, verify sources, fact-check, clarify terminologies and data in the sector as well as their backgrounds before reporting to ensure right information dissemination in the sector.
Michael Creg Afful, Managing Editor of Energy News Africa Limited and lead organiser, emphasised the importance of the training in his opening remarks.
He noted that the media plays a crucial role in shaping public perception about the energy sector, and journalists must be equipped to produce factual and well-researched stories.
Dr. Kwame Ampofo, former Chairman of the Energy Commission and Chairman of the workshop, echoed similar sentiments.
He stated that enhancing journalists’ writing skills and guiding them on fact-checking would ensure that energy-related news remains accurate and credible.
Dr Ampofo who is also a former Managing Director of the Tema Oil Refinery (TOR) advised journalists to be thorough in their investigations, urging them to seek clarification before publishing stories that might misrepresent the realities of the energy sector.
Addressing the risks of misinformation in the media, Charles Wundengba cautioned journalists about the rampant spread of fake news on social media.
He stressed the need for reporters to understand their subject matter, verify sources and dates, present balanced perspectives, fact-check statistics and clarify terminologies before publishing stories.
Adding to the discussion, Ambassador Kabral Blay-Amihere, former Board Chairman of GRIDCo, underscored the importance of journalists having a deep understanding of the energy sector’s structure.
“If you want to be an energy reporter, know all the chains of command in the energy sector and always verify and fact-check to avoid misleading the public,” he advised.
Dr Riverson Oppong also addressed the attendees, urging them to scrutinise their sources, cross-check information with reputable media outlets and assess the credibility of authors before reporting on energy-related stories.
The training programme is a step in promoting responsible journalism in Ghana’s energy sector, equipping journalists with the necessary skills to navigate the complexities of social media while ensuring accurate and fact-based reporting.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
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