Affail Monney
The Ghana Journalists’ Association (GJA) has cautioned journalists making corruption allegations against some state institutions and government appointees to be mindful in order not to pronounce certain people guilty in the media without trial by a court of competent jurisdiction.
“We wholeheartedly applaud the courageous manner with which some of these cases are pursued in fulfillment of the media’s constitutional obligation to hold to account people in positions of power and responsibility,” GJA indicated in a statement signed by its President, Roland Affail Monney.
It added, “At the same time, the GJA urges extreme caution and circumspection in order not to pronounce certain people guilty in the media whereas no court of competent jurisdiction has ever tried them.”
According to the statement, “The stories must also be balanced, ensuring at all times that the perspectives of the parties at the centre of such investigative reporting are frankly represented.”
It indicated that it is also important that all facts are fully verified before being thrown into the public domain.
“Such trial by the media can inflict serious reputational injury and cause devastating harm to their businesses that could ultimately have adverse effects on the Ghanaian economy,” the statement noted.
“It can also ignite backlash in the form of suits or legal wrangling from aggrieved persons. And this must be avoided, if possible,” it cautioned.
GJA urged, “We should also be mindful of using the media to wage a smear campaign against individuals, especially local businesses and personalities, who have made substantial contributions to the growth of the economy, especially at a time when government is calling on the private sector to support its rebuilding of the economy to create more jobs and prosperity for all.”
Media Foundation Steps In
However, the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA), has raised issues with the GJA about investigative and anti-corruption reporting by the media.
In reaction to the GJA statement, the MFWA said the GJA should have been categorical in its statement about trial in the media.
“The GJA’s statement warns against trial in the media and pronouncing ‘certain people guilty in the media.’ But it fails to point to any specific instances, examples or evidence (in the past or present) of such trials in or by the media, and pronouncement of guilty verdicts by the media against any individuals or businesses,” a statement signed by Sulemana Braimah, Executive Director, Media Foundation for West Africa, said.
The MFWA called on journalists who are committed to the true values of journalism to remain unwavering in their fight against corruption.
“We remain committed to supporting the few honest, dedicated and selfless journalists who continue to risk their lives and work tirelessly to expose corrupt personalities and businesses who perpetrate fraud on the nation.
“We are aware of the growing phenomenon of ‘media capture’ by big businesses, who will do anything to manipulate the media. ‘Media capture’ is currently one of the biggest threats to quality journalism around the world. The GJA must not allow itself to become a victim of ‘media capture’ by big businesses in Ghana,” it cautioned.
The pro-press freedom campaigner called on the GJA to be seen as acting in ways that inspire confidence in individual journalists, who remain committed to holding the powerful accountable.
By Melvin Tarlue