Retract unverified publication, apologise to Adamus Resources, Ms List - NMC directs ModernGhana, Class FM
The National Media Commission (NMC) has directed online news portal, ModernGhana.com, and Accra-based Class FM to retract and apologise for publishing unverified reports about Adamus Resources Limited and its Chief Executive Officer, Angela List.
The ruling followed a settlement meeting held on Wednesday, September 3, this year, during which the NMC’s Complaints Settlement Committee engaged both parties in what it described as a “constructive and cordial” discussion.
Respondents admit failure
A press statement issued by the commission on Thursday, November 27, this year and signed by its Executive Secretary, George Sarpong, said that during the session, representatives of ModernGhana.com admitted that they failed to contact the complainants to verify the information before publication.
The statement further explained that one of the reports originated from the Ghana News Agency (GNA), which they had considered a credible source.
It said Class FM also conceded that it did not verify the information before publishing the story and offered no justification for the breach of journalistic standards.
According to the statement, both media outlets confirmed that the contested publications were eventually taken down after a representative of the complainants intervened.
However, it said the complainants stressed that the stories caused significant reputational harm, particularly influencing how their international partners perceived the company.
It added that although they prepared a rejoinder, it was not served directly on either outlet.
Breach of ethics
After reviewing the case, the NMC concluded that the respondents violated fundamental principles of responsible journalism.
According to the commission, the two outlets breached Articles 4 and 5 of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) Code of Ethics, 2017, which required accuracy, verification and fairness.
The commission stated that although ModernGhana and Class FM removed the initial reports when prompted, they continued to publish related content thereafter, further aggravating the issue.
It also affirmed that while the complainants were within their rights to issue a rejoinder under Article 162(6) of the 1992 Constitution, their failure to serve the rejoinder directly on the Respondents meant the outlets were not obligated to publish it.
NMC directives
Consequently, the commission ordered ModernGhana.com and Class FM to retract and remove all stories relating to the complainants that were published without verification.
“Any retraction must receive the same prominence as the original publication,” the ruling emphasised.
The two media organisations have also been instructed to publish a formal apology to Adamus Resources and Ms List.
“All retractions, removals and apologies must be completed within seven days of this press release,” the NMC stated.
The commission has urged all parties to maintain the cordial atmosphere demonstrated during the settlement meeting, noting that “mutual respect and adherence to ethical standards remain essential to strengthening both media practice and corporate engagement in Ghana.”
