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

The directive follows a complaint filed by Adamus Resources and Ms. List over publications they described as misleading and damaging.

The NMC’s Complaints Settlement Committee met with all parties on Wednesday, 3 September 2025, in what officials described as a constructive and cordial engagement.

During the meeting, representatives of ModernGhana.com admitted they failed to verify the allegations before publishing them, acknowledging that they relied on a Ghana News Agency report without cross-checking the details with the Complainants.

Classfmonline.com  also conceded that it did not verify the information before publication and provided no justification for the lapse, which the Commission said amounted to a breach of basic journalistic standards.

Both media organisations confirmed that they removed the stories after being contacted by a representative of the Complainants.

However, Adamus Resources and Ms. List stressed that the damage had already been done, noting that the reports triggered concerns among their international partners.

They added that although they issued a rejoinder, it was not directly served on the Respondents.

After reviewing the matter, the NMC found that both media outlets breached Articles 4 and 5 of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) Code of Ethics, 2017, which require journalists to verify information before publication.

The Commission also noted that despite removing the initial stories, the Respondents continued to publish related content.

It further concluded that although the Complainants exercised their right to a rejoinder under Article 162(6) of the 1992 Constitution, ModernGhana.com and Classfmonline.com were not obligated to publish it since it was never formally submitted to them.

The NMC has therefore ordered ModernGhana.com and Classfmonline.com to:

Retract and/or remove all unverified publications relating to Adamus Resources and Ms. Angela List.

Ensure that any retraction receives the same prominence as the original publication.

Publish a formal apology to the Complainants.

Complete all retractions, removals, and apologies within seven days of the Commission’s ruling.

The NMC encouraged both sides to maintain the cordial and cooperative spirit exhibited during the settlement meeting, emphasising that adherence to ethical standards is crucial for strengthening media professionalism and constructive corporate-media relations in Ghana.

The statement on the ruling was signed by George Sarpong, Executive Secretary of the National Media Commission.