Journalists must not be denied constitutionally mandated duties
A couple of weeks ago, the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) intervened in a matter between the Ada Traditional Council and Radio Ada which had raged since June this year.
The council, in an expression of disaffection for the radio station, banned it from covering the Asafotufiami Festival held about three weeks ago.
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The GJA, without mincing words, described that decision by the council as an affront to press freedom.
It pointed out that the council's decision undermined Article 21(1)(a) and (f) of the 1992 Constitution of Ghana and Article 19 of the Universal Declaration on Human Rights.
It further stated categorically that with all due respect, the Ada Traditional Council did not have the right or powers to impose such restrictions on Radio Ada and its staff.
At a press conference, the GJA further said such action by the traditional leaders had the tendency to endanger the lives of staff of the radio station.
Consequently, it entreated the traditional leaders to use laid down channels for redress, instead of the path they had chosen, saying that barring the three hosts of Radio Ada from wearing paraphernalia of the station and particularly mentioning their names were a threat to the lives of the hosts and those of their families.
The Daily Graphic finds the intervention by the GJA not only timely but also a reminder to all that the work of journalists in the country is protected by the 1992 Constitution and, therefore, there is no authority that can stop them from functioning.
Journalists, per their work, have the right to perform their duties without fear or favour and, therefore, nobody has the right to harm them in the discharge of that constitutionally backed mandate.
We are informed that the council took the decision because it alleged that three hosts of the station's programmes, while on air, used unrefined language on chiefs in the area.
Much as we do not support any such reckless actions on the part of any journalist, if proved, we firmly believe that whatever differences existed between the traditional leaders and the radio station should be resolved through the laid down channels, instead of the use of authority, which is also against the law.
As the saying goes, two wrongs do not make a right; therefore, there must be extreme exercise of patience while laid down procedures are strictly adhered to to prevent the matter from escalating.
The GJA’s fact-finding mission had established that people close to the council were worried about the use of “insulting” and “disrespectful” language by programme hosts of Radio Ada on traditional authorities.
The hosts were also cited for mentioning the names of Neneme (kingmakers) without according them their respective titles and also inciting the people to hoot at Neneme and call them names during a recent demonstration.
While the GJA appreciated the concerns of Neneme, we believe that the imposition of restrictions on the radio station and its reporters was unwarranted, as it was unjustifiable.
Like the GJA, we are interested in seeing peace restored between the Ada Traditional Council and Radio Ada.
Again, the Daily Graphic is appealing to the respected council to allow the due processes, as laid down by the National Media Commission, where it sent its petition, to rule on the matter because there is demonstrable evidence of the independence of the commission to deal fairly with the matter to please both sides.
We wish to use this opportunity to caution any person or group of persons or authorities to desist from putting impediments in the way of journalists who want to discharge their duties as mandated by the Constitution.
However, we will not shield any journalist or group of journalists who, in the discharge of their duties, subject individuals or groups to public ridicule by using defamatory statements.
There are bound to be infractions at certain times, but in all such situations, due processes must be followed to resolve the matter, instead of the resort to threats and counter-threats because that will only escalate matters and threaten national security.
