Journalists cautioned over reportage on presidential accident

The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) on Monday advised media houses to refrain from engaging in the trial of Mr Thomas Osei, the driver of the vehicle that crashed into the convoy of the President last Wednesday.

A statement signed by Mr Bright Kwame Blewu, General Secretary of the Association explained that in consonance with Article (1) of the GJA Code of Ethics on: People's Right to True Information, and the tenets of press law, "the media must undertake unbiased, accurate, balanced and comprehensive information in the reportage of this very unfortunate incident."

"Fair play has become even more imperative because the matter is before court and in order that the case is not prejudiced there is the need to give both the court and the police a chance to do their work without interference or distractions that could lead to unfair trial."

Mr Blewu reminded sections of the media engaged in the trial that, their behaviour was a breach of the ethics of the journalism profession and they could soon find themselves guilty of contempt of court.