Abokobi (Greater Accra), 22 February 2000

Professor Lawrence Enu Kwesi, a member of the Council of State, on Monday urged officials to give information to the media to stop journalists from speculating on issues.

He was speaking at the opening ceremony of the 11th General Assembly of the Association of Christian Lay Centres in Africa.

Prof. Kwesi noted that some media reports in recent times have been the cause of much tension in society because newsmen have almost always had to make do with pieces of information other than complete ones from official sources.

"Much as we expect the journalists to live up to their social responsibility as members of the fourth estate of the realm, we must not blame them totally for having to sometimes speculate in their stories.

"Official sources of information, such as political leaders and others who are usually very economical in the release of information to the media, are equally to blame for the harmful media speculations."

Prof. Kwesi called on people in authority to recognise the role of the media as 'an indispensable machinery' in the governance of African countries and be liberal in releasing information to newsmen.

"Officials must ensure that they put society's interest above personal and institutional interest to prevent half-truth reports."

Prof. Kwesi, however, urged newsmen to be circumspect in the face of compelling conditions to speculate, saying: "much as newsmen must inform the public on issues that concern us, it is their responsibility to ensure that such information does more good to society than harm".

He advised leaders in authority to help fight against corruption which has virtually become a canker in the society.