The Venom Arrows Of Reportage –Ghana’s Helicopter Crash

DISREGARDING THE ANGUISH OF GRIEVING FAMILIES

The news is important and, yes, being the first to break a story matters in journalism but in our quest to deliver the news let us not lose our humanity or cause more pain to those already overwhelmed with sorrow instead, let us be responsible and allow people to mourn their loved ones in dignity.

Yesterday was a dark day for Ghana as she lost eight (8) of her gallant men in a tragic helicopter crash that can never be forgotten. MAY THEIR GENTLE SOULS REST IN PERFECT PEACE.

I must commend the honorable Dr. Frank Amoakohene, the Ashanti Regional Minister for a show of maturity- he handled the situation with the needed tranquility and professionalism however, as the story unfolds across various media platforms both the recognized and the "mushroomed". I noticed profoundly a disturbing trend, a trend that is not in our nature but thanks to the necessary evil called social media.

While some individuals shared graphic and disturbing videos of the incident accompanied by insensitive commentary, even more troubling some journalists rushed to interview the grieving widows for first-hand information.

A mother or a wife who had just lost her husband or son consequently, her world, her today and future. Why ask…. how she or he heard the news…. and how they are feeling now? For what purpose? Exactly what do we hope to gain by asking someone whose husband or son was burned beyond recognition these kinds of questions barely 4 hours after the tragic incident.

Pardon my ignorance nonetheless, how does this information benefit the grieving, the public and the world as a whole, how is that ethical journalism or reportage? Was yesterday the appropriate time to ask such questions?

With all due respect let us bring decorum and compassion back to our reportage when people lose loved ones especially in such a traumatic circumstances they deserve space privacy and time to process their pain and come to terms with the new reality accordingly, cameras and microphones should not be shoved into their faces at their most vulnerable moments, this is not just about the news as usual, this is about humanity we are Africans and Ghanaians for that matter our culture is respect for both the dead and the bereaved . We must uphold our principles, let's encourage best practice in journalism not just for the sake of the profession but for the sake of our shared values.

To the bereaved families, the President of Ghana and all who are directly affected by this unfortunate tragic incident My deepest condolences.

May the nation stand together in unity and may we remember the fallen with the dignity they deserved