Kumasi, Nov 3, GNA - The media have been urged to project a positive image of the country by showing more responsibility in the performance of their duties. A press statement issued by the Ashanti Regional branch of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) and signed by its Chairman, Mr Yaw Owusu Obimpeh, in Kumasi, said the unbridled use of the media, particularly the electronic, was hurting Ghana's admirable international reputation.

This is something all should help to avoid, it said. The statement comes in the wake of the controversy sparked by the alleged robbery and mass rape on a Bolgatanga-bound passenger bus, which the police say is a hoax. The NDC said it finds it baffling that the media appear to pay no regard for professional ethics and lower the threshold of professional standards.

The situation, where some journalists and radio presenters openly show biases and put personal interest ahead of the common good of society, needs to stop.

The Regional party chastised the radio station at the centre of the story for its handling of the allegation of the mass rape and robbery and said this raised a lot of questions about the motive. "We find it amazing that the radio station is showing no remorse for what clearly is a professional lapse." Meanwhile, the party has asked the Ministry of Roads and Highways to remove some of the speed rumps on the Konongo-Ejisu stretch of Kumasi-Accra highway, especially those constructed some distance away from settlements. 03 Nov. 10