Daily Guide under fire

Accra, Jan 25, GNA - The National Media Commission (NMC) on Friday said two stories published on the front pages of the Thursday edition of the Daily Guide was "sensational, unethical and abusive" of the privacy of the individuals mentioned.

A statement signed in Accra by Mr Paul Adu-Gyamfi, Chairman of the Commission, said the first story headlined: "Policeman Raped Me" revealed the identity of a supposed rape victim by mentioning her name, place of residence, name of husband and age.


According to the Commission, even though the paper sought to blur the picture of the victim, the attempt was ineffective and in any case, could have done little to protect her image in her community. "The Commission is concerned that the paper may have done as much damage to the woman as the alleged rapist. And the stigma associated with publicity may also deter other rape victims from reporting the conduct of rapists".


To the Commission, while the ethics of journalism permitted limited disclosure of personal details of rape victims, especially where the victims themselves had sought publicity and have been made to understand the implications of publicity, the profession demanded of journalists handling such a story to treat the victim with circumspection with the ultimate aim of helping seek justice rather than court scorn.


"The Daily Guide's story failed this basic test. Even though the writer indicates that the supposed victim spoke to the paper suggesting that she had consented to the publication, the treatment of the story lacked the professional sensitivity demanded in such situations".

Furthermore, the Commission described the second story with headline "Mills in Coma" as misleading, sensational and insensitive. It said the introduction of the adjective "political" in the lead of that story could not redeem a highly speculative story with little factual basis.


It was of considerable professional worry that the writer went ahead to publish such a speculative story about a former Vice-President of this country even when the paper had no facts to support its assertion, the statement indicated.


"As a profession in the service of society, journalism does not deviate from cultural imperatives. The etiquette of Ghanaian society required all to show sensitivity to the sick and vulnerable. "As a result, even where facts were established about the ailing health of a person, the appropriate response may be that of goodwill and speedy recovery. It is therefore worrisome where a newspaper creates illness for a public figure in the service of his nation without the sensitivity demanded by the profession."


It therefore deplored the behaviour of the Daily Guide and enjoined all journalists to perform professionally as the nation prepares for election 2008.