Regional News of Wednesday, 15 February 2012

Source: Paa Paintsil -Radio Windy Bay-UEW

ACOP-Advises Journalist-Story

Central Regional Police Commander, ACOP S.A-Kwofie Reminded Journalist
of their Core Responsibility to ensure Peaceful Election.
Journalists in the Central Region have been advised to ensure a
peaceful general election and work to avoid other activities likely to
undermine the peaceful atmosphere the country is enjoying since most
political parties would use the media as their biggest campaign
platform. The Central Regional Police Commander, ACOP Stephen
Ampiah-Kwofie gave the advice at a meeting for selected journalists
and police officers at the districts, divisional and regional levels
to deliberate on how to manage the election in a positive manner for
peace in Cape Coast.
Mr. Ampiah-Kwofie noted that, some captions of media house programmes
and their general activities including selection of panelist and
attitude of Presenters need urgent review to avoid any ill will
before, during and after the 2012 general election.
He encouraged journalists to partner the police to deal with issues
that have conflict elements and reminded them not to discuss such
sensitive issues on air until clarification is sought from the
appropriate experts.
ACOP Ampiah-Kwofie disclosed that his outfit has set up political Desk
to deal with political issues at all levels and called on journalist
not to Use their platform to judge or settle issues pertaining to
politics and crime until proper investigations are conducted by the
police before airing them.
Officers Present pledged their support at various levels to partner
with the media since they cannot shoulder all the responsibility in
discharging their duties effectively.
He also mentioned meetings with the Political parties; Other Police
Officers and the media as some of the measures his outfit is putting
in place to educate the public on the need to have confidence in the
police to help ensure quality service delivery. Journalists were taken
through various criminal code/laws and advised them not go contrary to
them since no one is above the law.