The National Media Commission (NMC) has directed online news portal ModernGhana and Accra-based Class FM to retract and remove all unverified publications about Adamus Resources Limited and its Chief Executive Officer, Angela List, after ruling that both outlets breached fundamental journalistic ethics.
The decision follows a complaint filed by the mining company and its CEO, who argued that the publications were misleading, damaging, and published without proper verification.
Ethical Breaches Identified
In its ruling, the NMC concluded that ModernGhana and Class FM violated Articles 4 and 5 of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) Code of Ethics (2017), which require journalists to verify information and cross-check facts before publication.
Although both outlets removed the initial reports after complaints were raised, the Commission noted they continued to publish related content without proper verification.
Admissions at Settlement Meeting
During a settlement meeting on 3 September 2025, representatives of ModernGhana admitted they had not contacted Adamus Resources or Ms. List before publishing the stories, saying one of the reports came from the Ghana News Agency, which they considered credible.
Class FM likewise acknowledged failing to verify its information and offered no justification for the lapse.
The complainants highlighted the reputational harm caused by the reports, including concerns from international partners. They also clarified that while they issued a rejoinder under Article 162(6) of the 1992 Constitution, it was not served directly on the two outlets—meaning they were under no legal obligation to publish it.
NMC’s Directives
The Commission ruled that both media houses must take corrective action and issued the following orders:
- Retract and/or remove all unverified publications about Adamus Resources and Angela List, ensuring retractions receive the same prominence as the original stories.
- Publish a formal apology to the complainants.
- Complete all removals, retractions, and apologies within seven days of the ruling.
The NMC encouraged all parties to maintain the cordial atmosphere achieved during the settlement meeting and stressed that strict adherence to ethical standards is vital to strengthening media practice and corporate relations in Ghana.
Source: www.kumasimail.com
