The Communications Director of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), Henry Asante Twum, has engaged journalists in Kumasi on leveraging media platforms for effective Black Stars coverage.
Speaking at a media sensitisation workshop, facilitated by the GFA, in partnership with the US Embassy, Mr. Asante Twum said the session was designed to equip reporters with strategies for accurate, ethical and multimedia-driven reporting on the national team.
According to the Communication Director, covering the World Cup is extremely different because team updates and information regarding atmosphere in each country is uniquely given on time.
He stated that the Black Stars brand was huge given the team’s record and the achievements of individual players enable journalists to tell our story well. He described the Black Stars as a national passion under global spotlight, noting that the media shapes narratives and can create “heroes or villains.”
Mistakes, he added, damage trust among players, fans and brands, especially as expectations rise ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
Mr. Asante Twum outlined four pillars for effective coverage, which includes preparation and the importance to know the team, history and context, as well as study squad statistics, form, injuries and back stories and building a fact bank of head-to-head records, player caps and goals.
He mentioned access to build trust with the GFA, players and staff, to get real quotes not rumours. He also proposed balancing reports of wins and losses fairly and to remain credible when results are poor. He stressed on speed and accuracy and to be first with the news but right.
Mr. Twum cautioned against sensationalism and fabrication. “Avoid headlines like ‘Crisis in Camp’ when players are only holding a meeting.
He urged the media not to publish dressing room leaks or fabricated quotes, but correct errors visibly and quickly and distinguish facts from opinion.
He added that while players are public figures, they are not public property, and that Off-field issues should only be reported if relevant to their role.
He also urged sensitivity around mental health, asking journalists to avoid “pile-ons” after defeats.
Mr. Matthew Asda, Acting Public Affairs Officer, US Embassy in Ghana, also disclosed that the workshop formed part of activities marking the 250th anniversary of the United States, with the US Embassy in Ghana collaborating with the Ghana Tourism Authority.
The Embassy encouraged Ghanaians interested in visiting America to apply for US visas through the US Embassy in Ghana as part of the “America 250” celebrations.
