Editorial & Ethics Policy — The Breaking Desk
The Breaking Desk is committed to the highest standards of journalistic integrity, accuracy, and fairness. This Editorial Policy outlines the principles and practices that guide our reporting, publishing, and digital operations.
Last Updated: July 2026
Publisher: The Breaking Desk News (Mensah Enoch Frimpong, Accra, Ghana)
Our Commitment
We believe that accurate, balanced, and timely information is essential for a well-informed society. Our goal is to serve the Ghanaian public, both at home and in the diaspora, by delivering reliable breaking news and in-depth stories on politics, education, sports, business, entertainment, health, crime, and social issues.
Fact-Checking & Verification
- Multi-Source Standard: Every story published on The Breaking Desk undergoes thorough verification. We rely on multiple credible sources, including official statements, government documents, eyewitness accounts, and verified data.
- Anonymous Sources: Anonymous sources are used only when essential to protect personal safety or sensitive information, and we clearly explain why their identity is protected.
- No Unverified Rumors: We do not publish unverified claims or sensational headlines without supporting evidence.
- AI Usage Policy: We do not publish automated or unedited AI-generated reporting. All published content is researched, written, and verified by human editors and journalists.
Accuracy, Speed & Corrections
- Accuracy Over Speed: While we aim to deliver fast-breaking news, we never compromise accuracy for speed. Developing stories are explicitly labeled as such and updated as verified information becomes available.
- Correction Process: If an error occurs, we correct it promptly and transparently. Corrections are clearly noted at the top or bottom of the affected article with the date, time, and an explanation of the change.
- Submitting a Correction: To report a factual error, readers can email our desk directly at [email protected]
Fairness, Balance & Labeling
- Right to Reply: We give individuals or organizations mentioned in critical stories a fair opportunity to respond prior to publication wherever possible.
- Clear Content Classification: Opinion pieces, commentary, sponsored content, and analytical essays are explicitly labeled and kept strictly separate from objective news reporting.
Independence, Conflicts & Commercial Standards
- Editorial Independence: The Breaking Desk maintains full editorial independence. We do not accept payment, gifts, or favors in exchange for news coverage.
- Advertising Transparency: Sponsored content or advertorials are always clearly marked as “Sponsored” or “Advertisement.”
- Conflict Disclosures: Our journalists and editors are required to declare any potential personal, financial, or political conflicts of interest.
Ethical Standards & Legal Compliance
- Minimizing Harm: We treat sources and subjects with dignity. Graphic or distressing content is used only when essential to the story and in the public interest.
- Privacy & Data Protection: We respect individual privacy and comply fully with Ghana’s Data Protection Act (Act 843) and relevant media regulations.
- Anti-Sensationalism: We refrain from prejudice, stereotyping, or inflammatory language that could incite hatred or division.
- Plagiarism: Plagiarism is strictly prohibited. All content must be original or properly attributed to the primary source.
Team Accountability & Governance
All editors, writers, and contributors at The Breaking Desk are required to adhere to these standards. Violations result in an internal review and potential disciplinary action, up to and including termination.
This policy is reviewed annually to reflect evolving best practices in digital journalism.