By: Saaka Alhassan, Tamale

Over twenty journalists are undergoing a two-day training on issue based election reporting and gender setting in the Northern regional capital, Tamale.

The workshop organized by the Rural Media Network (RUMNET) and supported by USAID, drawn participants from the Northern region, Upper East and Upper West regions of the country.

The training workshop is to build the capacity of journalists in the three regions of the north to enable them contribute to a fair, transparent and peaceful process during the upcoming elections in December.

The training workshop is also expected to increase participants knowledge in election process as well as increase their knowledge and skills on issued based reporting and agenda setting.

RUMNET believes that through the responsible practice of professional journalism, journalists will fulfil their role in the promotion of democracy and respect for pluralism.

Alhaji Abdul-Razak Saani Northern regional Director of the National Commission on Civic Education (NCCE), in a presentation on electoral process and political code of ethics urged media personnel to act professionally in their work of duty.

He accused the media for setting the agenda for politicians to make derogatory and intemperate language on their networks.

He said the media have the responsibility to ensure that political parties walk their talk. He also urged the media to put to bare what will ensure reconciliation and peaceful coexistence.

He however appealed to the journalists to ensure a responsible journalism for a peaceful election in the country.