NMC orders ModernGhana, Class FM to retract and apologise over ‘unverified’ Adamus CEO publications

The National Media Commission (NMC) has directed online news portal ModernGhana.com and Accra-based Class FM to retract and apologise for publishing unverified reports about Adamus Resources Limited and its Chief Executive Officer, Ms. Angela List.

The ruling follows a complaint filed by the mining company and its CEO, who described the publications as misleading and damaging to their reputation.

The NMC’s Complaints Settlement Committee held a settlement meeting with all parties on 3 September 2025, which the Commission described as “constructive and cordial.”

During the engagement, both media outlets admitted they failed to verify the information before publication. Representatives of ModernGhana.com told the Commission they relied on a story sourced from the Ghana News Agency, while Class FM “offered no justification” for publishing without cross-checking. Both outlets confirmed that they removed the stories after being contacted by a representative of the Complainants.

The Complainants, however, stressed the significant reputational harm the publications caused, especially in relation to concerns raised by international partners. They also noted that although a rejoinder was prepared, it was never served directly on the Respondents.

After assessing the complaint, the Commission concluded that the outlets breached basic journalistic ethics as outlined in Articles 4 and 5 of the Ghana Journalists Association Code of Ethics.

The NMC further noted that despite removing the initial reports, both outlets continued to publish related content thereafter.

In its ruling, the NMC ordered ModernGhana.com and Class FM to retract or remove all unverified publications concerning Adamus Resources and Ms. List, and to ensure the retractions “receive the same prominence as the original publication.”

It also directed the outlets to publish a formal apology, with all actions to be completed within seven days.

The Commission encouraged both parties to maintain the cordial tone established during the settlement meeting, emphasising that mutual respect and adherence to ethical standards remain essential to strengthening media practice and corporate engagement in Ghana.

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