Kumasi, Dec. 22, GNA - A lecturer at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Dr Kwasi Opoku- Amankwa, has commended the media for playing an effective watchdog role during the first round of the election.

He noted that the success of their performance could be attributed the independence of the media. Dr Opoku-Amankwa was speaking in an interview with the Ghana News Agency in Kumasi at the week-end. He indicated that the media as an institution sets the agenda on matters affecting the public interest besides providing information, education and entertainment to people.

Dr Opoku-Amankwa, therefore, called for the needed support and encouragement to journalists and their institutions in order to spur them on to live up to expectation. He also urged journalists to be vigilant, fair and firm in the discharge of their duties during the December 28, 2008 presidential run-off to avoid any acts that could mar the peace and stability of the country.

The lecturer also cautioned the media to desist from making fleeting statements but rather always crosscheck their facts before packaging them for public consumption. Dr Opoku-Amankwaa also lauded the performance of the security services ensuring peace and order during the first round of the election. He appealed to Ghanaians to comport themselves during the run-off and avoid any acts that could lead to riot and violence. 22 Dec. 08