Ken Kuranchie Should Be An Example To The Media

The detention of Mr. Ken Kuranchie, the editor of the Dailysearchlight paper by the Supreme Court should be a blazing warning to all media practioners This immurement should be a sign for all to give honour to the Supreme Court; which is the highest court of the land, hence needing less interference in discharging its duties.

Here comes the question. What about we, that do not report on court cases? It does not really matter. This little example should be enough to tell you that journalism is a dangerous game. In other countries, journalists are killed, media houses are beseiged for misreportage or cases alike. Ghanaian media is very fortunate, such deviant acts are rare. "As the fourth estate of the realm, public expect the media to play the watchdog role. They should do this with a high sense of responsibility without infringing on the rights of individuals and the society in general", an extract of the preamble from the GJA Code of Ethics. Journalists must therefore be very mindful with their choice of words and story headings.

When a journalist is abused or denied the right to discharge his or her duties, whose job is it to defend the journalist? Obviously, it is the Judiciary, which is the same court. So you can see that the court is very much needed by the journalist for defence. There comes in mind this adage which claims that "when a fool carries your load, you don't break his neck". In the playing of journalism the court should be regarded accordingly since it serves as shield for the journalist as they operate.

The freedom of the press is spelt out by the constitution and the Judiciary are the interpreters of the constitution.

A word to a wise is always enough.
I'm thereby calling on the Ghanaian media to help me apologise to the Judiciary on behalf of the editor.

Mr. Kuranchie never dreamt his reportage would rise your fury. My lords, please do not keep this little scandal at heart but instead forget and keep defending the media.

We believe in the Judiciary, we believe in Ghana.
Merci Beaucoup!