Ernest Brogya Genfi, Deputy Minister for Defence, has criticised investigative media outlet The Fourth Estate over what he described as recurring inaccuracies and failure to adequately verify information before publication.
In a statement shared on his Facebook page, Mr. Genfi said journalists have a responsibility to “double check, cross check and recheck” their story leads, stressing the need for fairness and balance in reporting.
He argued that media organisations should ensure that individuals likely to be affected by their publications are given the opportunity to respond, noting that presenting both sides of a story enhances credibility.
The deputy minister cited instances where he believes the outlet failed to meet these standards, including a previous publication that alleged he had not declared his assets as a public officer—an issue he said was later corrected with an apology.
He also referenced reporting on sole-sourced contracts, which he claimed was met with pushback over alleged inaccuracies.
Mr. Genfi suggested that the publication could have sought responses from key individuals or institutions, including requesting official audit responses from the Ministry of Defence, before proceeding with its reports.
He questioned the frequency of corrections and apologies, stating that “simple crosschecks” could prevent such situations and protect the outlet’s reputation.
The comments add to ongoing discussions about media accountability, accuracy, and the role of investigative journalism in Ghana’s governance landscape.
Source: www.kumasimail.com
