The National Media Commission (NMC) has ruled that the online portal ModernGhana.com and Accra-based Class FM breached fundamental journalistic ethics by publishing misleading and damaging stories about Adamus Resources Limited and its CEO, Ms. Angela List, without verification.
The Commission’s decision follows a complaint filed by the company and Ms. List concerning the publications, which they said caused significant reputational harm, including concerns from international partners. During a constructive settlement meeting on September 3, 2025, representatives from both ModernGhana.com and Class FM admitted to failing to contact the complainants to verify or cross-check the information prior to publication, a breach of Articles 4 and 5 of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) Code of Ethics, 2017. ModernGhana.com representatives noted they had relied on the Ghana News Agency as a credible source for one of the stories. While both outlets removed the initial contested stories after intervention by the complainants’ representative, the Commission noted that they continued to publish related content thereafter.
The NMC concluded that because a rejoinder prepared by the Complainants was not directly served on the Respondents, the media outlets were under no obligation to publish it, despite the Complainants exercising their constitutional right to issue one under Article 162(6) of the 1992 Constitution. Consequently, the Commission has directed ModernGhana.com and Class FM to retract and/or remove all unverified publications concerning the complainants, ensuring any retraction receives the same prominence as the original publication.
Both media outlets are also directed to publish a formal apology to the Complainants. All retractions, removals, and apologies must be completed within seven days of the press release, with the Commission encouraging all parties to maintain the cordial atmosphere established during the settlement meeting.
Ruth Abla ADJORLOLO
