Kumasi, June 8, GNA - Deputy Information Minister, Mr Baba Jamal, has reminded journalists to be more circumspect in their reportage and avoid stoking needless tension and controversy in the society. They should accept to be mindful of the peace, security and cohesion of the nation at all times.

Mr Jamal was interacting with a section of the media at the conference hall of the Ashanti Regional Coordinating Council (RCC) in Kumasi during an official working visit to the metropolis on Tuesday. It was meant to help the journalists to have better understanding of th= e government's development agenda and promote free flow of information to a= id accurate reporting on issues of national importance. He also underlined the need for them to support and co-operate with the government in its efforts at bringing progress to the people. He counselled against sensationalism, saying, they should make sure that they maintained high standards of professionalism. The Deputy Minister said as they played their watchdog role and put the government and public officials under intense scrutiny they should do away with mischief.

Mr Jamal expressed concern about unethical conduct of some journalists, which he said was unhelpful to the image of the profession. He therefore called on the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) to fin= d ways to rein in offenders to protect the integrity of the media.