The Bank of Ghana (BoG) has organised a two-day training workshop on financial reporting for journalists in the Ashanti Region.
The workshop, held in Kumasi from October16 to19, 2024 forms part of BoG’s efforts to ensure that the media accurately interpret and report on economic issues, monetary policy decisions and their implications accurately
Mr Bernard A. Otabil, the Director Communications at BoG, in his opening remarks explained that the event, aimed to raise media understanding of the banking sector and enlighten their understanding on ethical reporting, understanding financial journalism and society with the three main focuses on practical journalism, media accountability, media and society.
He disclosed that theBoG is committed to enhancing accuracy, honesty, integrity, public interest, objectivity and accountability.
The topics discussed at the workshop included; Monetary Policy in Ghana, Understanding Inflation Dynamics, Developments in Foreign Exchange Market, Macro-economic Analysis and Significance of Macro-economic Indicators
The topics interpreted were the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) Data Pack/ Engagement on Practical Financial Reporting exercises and the Concept of Next of Kin.
Mr. Bernard A. Otabil stressed that the crucial role of the media in supporting BoG’s efforts in creating understanding among the citizenry cannot be overemphasised, hence its commitment to partnering with the media for effective education.
According to him, the effectiveness of BoG would definitely improve when the public are well educated to understand its operations and advised the media practitioners to use their freedom responsibly.
He said the media has the power to influence the society both positively and negatively and urged them to use their power positively in creating peace, unity and growth for the betterment of citizens.
Mr. Otabil commended the media for their continuous support and assured BoG’s commitment to a good working relationship with the media to help educate the public.
Mr. Kingsley E. Hope, the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) expressed gratitude to the leadership of BoG for the capacity training.
He entreated the media to take key interest in understanding economic issues and the interpretation of monetary policy decisions in order to better educate the general public.
He described the two-day workshop as laudable, informative and an eye-opener.
He expressed the view that the leadership of BoG continue to offer training on financial reporting to the media in order to avoid misreporting and misinformation.
