Dr. Bernard Otabil, the Director of Communication at the Bank of Ghana (BoG), emphasized the crucial role his institution plays in Ghana’s economic management during a recent workshop aimed at educating journalists.
He asserted that the essence of the central bank extends beyond the physical currency it issues, highlighting that it is built on trust and integrity. “It is not the notes and coins we issue that define us, but we also issue trust and integrity,” he stated.
Dr. Otabil urged media professionals to avoid sensationalism and propaganda when reporting on the central bank, noting that the BoG’s operations have far-reaching implications for the entire economy. He remarked, “The Bank is a serious institution that influences everything in the economy, and its effects are felt by all.”
Speaking at the opening of a two-day workshop for journalists from the Western and Western North regions in Takoradi, he encouraged participants to refrain from spin-doctoring when discussing the BoG. “Spin doctoring obscures the core of a story,” he warned, adding that “the end result of the media engaging in spin-doctoring about the central bank is the erosion of investor confidence, which ultimately impacts us all.”
The workshop, which attracted journalists from both print and electronic media, covered essential topics such as accurate reporting, inflation, and responsible borrowing. Dr. Otabil reiterated that the Bank of Ghana values journalists as essential partners in its communication efforts, emphasizing the importance of accurate and responsible reporting in fostering a stable economic environment.
