Mr Samuel Ofosu-Ampofo, the Eastern Regional
Minister, on Wednesday expressed concern about how sections of the media are maligning office holders without cross checking their stories.
He said if that trend continued a time would come when people would be reluctant to hold public office.
Mr Ofosu-Ampofo was welcoming executive members of West Batsonya Association in his office in Koforidua where he presented five street bulbs valued at GHC 1,350.00 to them to help beef up security in the area.
His comments followed a publication in the media that he had built a mansion overnight in the area.
Mr Ofosu-Ampofo said responsible journalism required that reporters do a little diligence before coming out with their publication.
He said his building at Batsonya, which he started 10 years ago, is the only uncompleted building in the area.
Mr Ofosu-Ampofo told the executive members that when the publication came out he was expecting them to come out to say something since they knew the time he started putting up the building.
He appealed to the media not to treat politicians like criminals but rather they should be fair in their reportage.
"Let us use the pen in a most responsible way so as not to tarnish the reputation of others".
Mr Ofosu-Ampofo said he was not advocating that corrupt practices by politicians should be swept under the carpet but rather issues must be
properly investigated before coming out in print.
Mr Samuel Saviour Ocloo, Project Committee Chairman of the association, thanked the minister for the donation.