CSIR trains Bono East Journalists On 'Fake' Biotech Report

Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), has organized a one-day workshop for journalists within the Bono East Region.

The workshop which took place at Amantin in the Atebubu-Amantin Municipality of the Bono East Region was aimed at training journalists on how to give vivid reportage on scientific research especially on biotechnology.

The workshop was under the theme, "Exemplary Journalism, credible science Reporting and better public understanding of science  Technology and Innovation."

Senior Scientist of CSIR Science Technology Policy Research Institute who doubles as the National Coordinator for Open Forum on Agriculture Biotechnology, Dr. Richard Ampadu-Ameyaw, in an interview with the media revealed that the training workshop for journalists has become necessary as a result of some "fake" reports on biotechnology by the media nationwide.

According to him, most journalist lacks in-depth understanding about how biotechnology works and it's the importance which prompts them to give shallow reportage whenever reporting on biotechnology hence the spread of false information on the said of the technology.

"The media being the institution that informs the public on any development of which biotechnology is not exempted in the country, we deem it to educate them on the importance of biotechnology and how best the media can run reports so far as biotechnology is concerned". Dr. Richard Ampadu-Ameyaw said.

He further made emphasis on the fact that most countries in Africa such as Nigeria as a result of biotechnology have been enjoying the massive harvest of Cowpeas and maize.

Dr Richard Ampadu-Ameyaw disclosed that, although they have received positive responses from journalists who attended the workshop, they will continue to engage with them to provide them with any information they will need on GM foods and biotechnology. 

Bono East Region.