Humanise policy - BoG's Bernard Otabil

The Director of Communications of the Bank of Ghana, Mr Bernard Otabil, has urged members of the Bank of Ghana Press Corps to humanise monetary policy and translate technical policy decisions into stories that reflect the lives of ordinary Ghanaians.

Mr Otabil made the call on Monday, 19 October 2026, when he delivered the welcome address at the opening of a three-day Training Workshop for the BoG Press Corps.

The workshop, being held from 19 to 21 October 2026, is part of the Bank's continued commitment to build a well-informed media. Participants will be taken through key areas including Understanding the Ethics of Media Reporting and Accurate Reporting, the Mandate and Regulatory Role of the Bank, Understanding the Central Bank Balance Sheet, the Bank's Domestic Gold Purchase Programme, Trends and Developments in the Foreign Exchange Market, Inflation Dynamics, and Understanding MPC Statements and Submissions by members.

Welcoming participants on behalf of the Governor, Management and Staff of the Bank, Mr Otabil said, "We believe monetary policy is most effective when it is understood, trusted and accurately communicated."

He noted that the public may not read MPC reports, but they read headlines and listen to reports to make economic decisions. "Accuracy therefore is not just a professional virtue, it is an economic asset," he stressed.

Mr Otabil emphasised that in finance, words move markets. According to him, a misleading headline on inflation, exchange rates or the policy rate can create panic, fuel speculation and hurt households and businesses.

He said ethical reporting, grounded in verification, balance, context and clarity, is the first defence against disinformation and misinformation.

"Misinformation and disinformation are no longer peripheral concerns. The World Economic Forum's Global Risks Report now ranks them among the most severe global threats. From deepfakes to AI-generated market rumours, from social media amplification to coordinated disinformation campaigns targeting currencies, no central bank and no country is immune. This is a global phenomenon," Mr. Otabil added.

He said credibility has become journalism's most valuable asset, noting that when journalists uphold ethical standards, they anchor expectations, protect savings, safeguard economic stability and help Ghanaians make informed choices.

Mr Otabil reiterated the Bank's commitment to deepening its partnership with the media through expanded training, the Regional Press Corps, Editors' Forum, dedicated WhatsApp communication platforms, and the Governor's Economic and Financial Story of the Year Award.

He urged participants to participate fully, ask questions and challenge the Bank, to ensure a fruitful workshop.

Also present at the opening was Mr. Suleiman Mustapha, National Organising Secretary of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) and Member of the BoG Press Corps, who gave brief remarks.