Journalists Apologise to Palace

Accra (Greater Accra), 2 March ?99 ?The Ghana Journalists Association has apologised to Manhyia Palace and the the Asanteman Council on media reports about the Asantehene and appealed to journalists in Ghana to respect time-honoured practices which do not offend human conscience.

A statement issued in Accra on Monday night by Mr Yaw Boadu-Ayeboafoh, GJA Vice President, said it regretted any inconveniences that might have been caused to the Council as a result of lack of respect for traditional values of Asanteman in handling matters about the Golden Stool.

It noted that recent media reports about the Asantehene have created an embarrassment since they have tended to ignore valued traditions.

The GJA, therefore, appealed to journalists to exercise extreme caution. "(The GJA) accordingly offers an unqualified apology to the Asanteman Council and pleads that the matter be resolved amicably".

The statement appealed to journalists "to respect time-honoured institutions and practices which do not offend human conscience and are meant to promote social order."

The GJA said "the constitution provides for customary law and institutions in so far as they are not unconscienable or offensive to the fundamental rights of individuals."

In the meantime, Ghana Review International has been reminding media houses about the Ashanti custom and tradition in matters affecting the occupant of the Golden Stool. In telephone, fax and e-mail messages, GRi reminded the BBC's Focus on Africa programme last Saturday to show respect for Asante's customs and traditions, and the rights of the Asante Royal family as well as the Asantem an Council on matters affecting the Golden Stool.