Lessons for Journalists from Manasseh Azure Awuni’s Retraction and Apology

The retraction and apology issued by Manasseh Azure Awuni to businessman Ibrahim Mahama, following a request from Mahama's lawyers, is a development that warrants deep reflection. As a prominent investigative journalist who has garnered significant respect, winning the Ghana Journalists Association’s (GJA) Journalist of the Year award in 2011, Manasseh’s move speaks volumes about both the complexities of investigative journalism and the challenges of navigating public trust, reputation and accuracy in the field. This discussion examines how Manasseh Azure Awuni managed the situation and, more importantly, the valuable lessons it offers for investigative journalists of his caliber.

Background to the Apology
The controversy centers around pages 98-99 of Manasseh’s book, The President Ghana Never Got. The book, which provides an in-depth critique of the Ghanaian political landscape and profiles key players, contains information about Ibrahim Mahama that was deemed inaccurate by his lawyers. In response, they demanded a retraction and the removal of the content in question.

Manasseh’s response was swift: he issued an unequivocal apology and a retraction of the claims made in those pages. The decision to comply with the request and to publicly acknowledge the errors can be seen as a significant moment in Ghanaian journalism, particularly given the high profile of both parties involved. For Manasseh, this situation is likely one of the more humbling moments in his career, providing a crucial case study on the dynamics of investigative journalism.

Examining Manasseh’s Posture: A Mark of Integrity or Capitulation?

There are several perspectives from which one can assess Manasseh’s posture in this situation. At first glance, some might interpret the retraction and apology as a dent in his reputation, a symbolic victory for powerful individuals who can use legal channels to suppress unfavorable narratives. However, a more nuanced examination reveals that Manasseh’s response demonstrates professional maturity and adherence to the ethical principles of journalism.

A Commitment to Accuracy
One of the fundamental tenets of journalism is accuracy. The moment a journalist realizes that an error has been made, whether it is factual, contextual or interpretative, correcting that mistake is not just a professional obligation but a moral one. By issuing a retraction, Manasseh has reaffirmed his commitment to the truth, regardless of whether the error was made inadvertently or through insufficient research. This move underscores the importance of prioritizing accuracy over ego, especially in a field where credibility is built on trust.

The Courage to Correct
It is never easy for any journalist, especially one of Manasseh’s stature, to admit to an error publicly. The pressure to maintain an unblemished record, coupled with the influence of public opinion, can make such admissions seem counterproductive. However, his decision to apologize reflects courage and integrity, qualities that every investigative journalist should emulate. In a media landscape where reputations can be easily destroyed by stubbornness and arrogance, Manasseh’s posture illustrates that true professionalism lies in the ability to correct one’s mistakes, even when doing so might seem to diminish one's authority temporarily.

The Legal Dynamics at Play
Another angle worth considering is the legal aspect of this incident. Ghana, like many countries, has defamation laws that can be invoked when published material is deemed damaging to someone’s reputation. By retracting the content and apologizing, Manasseh likely avoided a lengthy and potentially costly legal battle. From a pragmatic standpoint, this move was not just ethical but also strategic. It illustrates how legal considerations play a role in shaping journalistic decisions and highlights the importance of understanding media law for investigative journalists.

Key Lessons for Investigative Journalists
While Manasseh’s retraction and apology could be viewed as a cautionary tale, it also offers important lessons for investigative journalists, particularly those working on high-stakes stories involving powerful individuals or organizations.

The Importance of Thorough Verification
Investigative journalism thrives on uncovering hidden truths, often through painstaking research and detailed analysis. Inaccuracies, however minor, can have significant consequences. This incident underscores the need for investigative journalists to double-check sources, cross-verify facts and ensure that all claims are backed by solid evidence. Even when deadlines loom and the pressure to publish is high, thorough verification should never be compromised.

The Value of Legal Knowledge
This situation also highlights the necessity for investigative journalists to have a strong understanding of defamation laws and other legal principles governing media practice. Knowledge of the legal landscape can help journalists navigate complex situations involving reputational risks, guiding them in the ethical dissemination of information. Legal literacy should be an essential part of any investigative journalist’s toolkit, allowing them to strike the delicate balance between uncovering the truth and respecting legal boundaries.

Managing the Reputational Risks of Investigative Journalism

Investigative journalism often involves walking a tightrope between public interest and personal reputations. When reporting on powerful figures, the risks of legal backlash, public criticism and damage to the journalist’s credibility are real. This incident shows that even the most seasoned journalists are not immune to missteps. Therefore, one of the lessons for journalists is the need for careful, deliberate communication when reporting contentious issues, ensuring that every detail can withstand scrutiny.

Ethical Responsibility in Correcting Errors
Journalists have a responsibility to their readers, sources, and society at large. When an error is identified, the ethical course of action is to correct it promptly. By retracting the erroneous content and offering an apology, Manasseh has demonstrated a model response to handling inaccuracies. For upcoming investigative journalists, this incident serves as a reminder that safeguarding credibility sometimes requires public acknowledgments of fault, even when it is uncomfortable.

The Role of Personal Integrity in Journalism

One of the defining traits of respected journalists is personal integrity. In issuing his apology, Manasseh displayed that integrity is not just about being correct but about being truthful. Integrity involves standing by one's work when it is accurate and owning up to errors when they occur. For investigative journalists, maintaining this standard is crucial, as their work is often the foundation of public discourse and policy decisions.

Conclusion: A Teachable Moment for the Profession

The retraction and apology by Manasseh Azure Awuni to Ibrahim Mahama, while unfortunate, provide a teachable moment for the entire journalistic profession. It highlights the challenges investigative journalists face in balancing the pursuit of truth with the ethical, legal and reputational responsibilities that come with the job. It also emphasizes that even the most experienced journalists are not infallible, and that professionalism is often defined by how one responds when mistakes are made.

For Manasseh Azure Awuni, this incident might momentarily shift public perception, but it does not erase his contributions to investigative journalism in Ghana. Rather, it serves as a reminder that even the most respected voices in journalism must continually strive for accuracy, transparency and humility.

In a profession where trust is paramount, it is the willingness to uphold these values, especially in difficult circumstances, that separates the truly exemplary journalists from the rest. Manasseh’s decision to retract and apologize was not a capitulation, but rather a reaffirmation of his commitment to these core principles, offering valuable lessons for both current and aspiring investigative journalists.

The writer of this article, Dr. Richmond Acheampong, is a journalist, columnist, PR expert and communication studies lecturer at Christian Service University. Email: [email protected]