By Adnan Adams Mohammed
In an era of rapid-fire news and rising misinformation, Ghanaian journalists are being called to trade emotional narratives for the hard precision of data to safeguard the integrity of the profession.
The charge was led by Nii Nookwei Tackie, a data analyst and lecturer at the University of Media, Arts and Communication (UniMAC-IJ), during an intensive training session on data journalism and spreadsheet analysis held at the Central Hotel in Accra.
The Power of the Spreadsheet
Addressing a room of media practitioners, Mr. Tackie argued that the difference between a “good” story and a “transformative” one often lies in the reporter’s ability to interpret numbers. He emphasized that data-driven reporting isn’t just about statistics; it’s about uncovering truths that are otherwise hidden by surface-level observations.
“Certain stories were made possible only by journalists who could read and analyze data,” Tackie noted. He explained that reporters who ground their work in verified numbers are far more likely to command public trust and stand out in an increasingly crowded media landscape.
Facts vs. Feelings
One of the most poignant warnings from the session was the danger of “overly emotional reporting.” Tackie observed that without data, certain national issues can be framed as far more alarming or skewed than they truly are.
“If you decide to be different and stick to what the numbers are saying what actual data is saying you present it clearly, and people begin to recognize you as someone who understands the conversation,” he said.
This approach, he argued, makes complex national issues easier for the general public to digest and act upon.
A Crisis of Credibility
A significant hurdle in Ghanaian journalism, according to Tackie, is the frequent failure to cite data sources. He warned that “anonymized” data weakens the impact of a story and erodes public confidence.
“Stories that actually show the source of the data are rarely mentioned in our context. This is significant if you want to build credibility. You want people to wake up in the morning and trust that you are accurately reporting data,” he stressed.
Empowering the Citizenry
The ultimate goal of this analytical shift is more than just better journalism it is better democracy. By providing properly analyzed and transparently sourced data, the media empowers citizens to make informed decisions on critical national issues, from economic policy to public health.
As the training concluded, the message to Ghana’s press corps was clear: in the modern age, the most powerful tool a journalist carries isn’t just a microphone or a pen—it’s a spreadsheet.
