The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) has appealed to journalists to be cautious in their reportage concerning the coronavirus pandemic.

Ghana has recorded six cases of the deadly disease in the past week.

Director of Public Health at the Ghana Health Service, Dr Badu Sarkodie on Sunday announced that four more cases have been recorded between March 12 and 14, bringing the total number of cases to six.

All six cases were recorded in the Ashanti and Greater Accra regions.

But many have criticised the media for causing fear and panic with their reportage, prompting the GJA to issue a statement of caution.

Signed by Vice President, Linda Asante Agyei said “the media must bear in mind that the public rely on us for information to decide on precautionary measures to take in times like these.

“We cannot, and dare not, fail them,” the statement added.

She asked journalists to use scientific sources in their reportage and avoid speculations, “while calling on public authorities and medical institutions to provide timely and accurate information when they call on them.”

Read the full statement below:

GJA COVID-19 by myjoyonline.com on Scribd