The Central Regional Police Command has tasked the media to be circumspect in their reportage as the country heads to the polls on Monday, December 7.

It said the media, being the country’s mouthpiece, had a critical role to play to reduce tension, panic and fear among the populace.

The Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCOP) Habiba Twumasi-Sarpong, said this at a press soiree by the Command to express gratitude to the media for the successful collaboration with the police over the years.

She urged the media to avoid sensational reportage and make the unity and peace of the country their topmost priority to maintain the peace.

DCOP Sarpong tasked the media to validate and authenticate reports from the right sources before airing and publishing for peace to reign in the region and beyond.

She expressed appreciation to the media for ensuring that information provided by the police and their activities reached out to the targeted people in the Region.

The Regional Manager of Ghana News Agency (GNA), Alice Tettey, said cross-checking facts before publication should be every journalist’s watchword to avoid misunderstandings and subsequent conflicts.

Being the Chairperson of the Central Regional branch of the Ghana Journalists Association, Mrs Tettey urged journalists not to interfere in the electoral process by declaring winners when results had not been certified by the Electoral Commission.

She advised the media to be mindful of their safety during election coverage by introducing themselves politely to the security agencies and electoral officers on their duty rounds to avoid confrontation.