The National Security Coordinator, COP Osman Abdul-Razak, has announced plans to establish a standard channel of communication between the security services and newsrooms to provide clarity during periods of national anxiety.
He said the initiative would help reduce speculation and misinformation by creating an avenue through which journalists could seek clarification from the security authorities on sensitive national security issues.
COP Abdul-Razak disclosed this at the PRINPAG Capacity-Building Workshop on Responsive National Security Reporting held in Accra.
“My office is ready to establish a standard channel of dialogue between the security services and your newsrooms so that clarity replaces regulations in moments of national anxiety… and to work with you on guidelines of security reporting drawn up with you and not for you,” he stated.
He emphasised that the proposed guidelines should be developed collaboratively, rather than imposed on journalists by the National Security apparatus.
According to him, PRINPAG should take the lead in proposing a practical framework for the relationship between the media and security institutions.
He said National Security was prepared to support initiatives that would strengthen journalists’ understanding of national security issues and improve the quality of reporting.
COP Abdul-Razak also announced support for periodic training programmes for journalists and editors in specialised areas that could contribute to better national outcomes.
He further promised to facilitate access to key security personalities and organise field trips for participants as part of efforts to deepen journalists’ understanding of security operations.
The programmes, he said, could include engagements with soldiers and police officers on issues such as terrorism and other emerging security threats.
The National Security Coordinator expressed the hope that stronger engagement between the media and security agencies would improve public understanding while promoting responsible reporting.
