Otumfuo Osei-Tutu II, the Asantehene, has urged the media to help preserve the true Ghanaian cultural identity by being abreast with the history of the land.

He explained that in as much as they enjoyed getting news ahead of their colleagues (scoops), there was the need to be factual, balanced and truthful.

The Asantehene gave this advice during an interaction with the media in Kumasi.

He stated that much as they needed their stories, they should also learn to respect the culture of their newsmakers.

“That does not mean you should cover-up any wrong doing but you should be cautious of the impact of what you put out to promote the common good of the nation,” he emphasised.

However, the overlord of Asanteman expressed his disquiet about how a section of the media was mishandled by some members of staff of the Manhyia Palace in some time past.

According to him, the Palace was public place, opened to all visitors; hence nobody should be prevented from entering to perform his or her duties.

Otumfuo Osei Tutu praised the fourth estate of government for their contributions towards nation building.

Mr Affail Monney, President of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), thanked the King for the importance he attached to the media.

He appealed that a press corps be established at Manhyia, which would be trained for specialized reporting on chieftaincy and cultural issues, thereby helping to maintain the rich culture of Asanteman.

The GJA President also proposed to the Palace to sponsor one of the annual journalists’ awards to encourage and deepen the cordial relationship between the two institutions.