Judge Urges Journalists To Do Thorough Investigations Before Publishing The News

Justice Asmah Akwasi Aseidu, a High Court Judge in Bolgatanga, has urged Journalists to properly investigate issues to ensure that fair, balanced and accurate stories are churned out into the public domain.

He said it was unprofessional for journalists to carry one-sided stories especially if it involved two people, and was therefore incumbent on them to create equal and fair opportunities to individuals in cases involving them, just as was done in the law court.

He said 'you do not just listen to what the plaintiff will tell you and come to a conclusion, you must also listen to the defendant, form an opinion and come to a conclusion.'

Justice Aseidu gave the counsel at a brief ceremony in Bolgatanga to inaugurate into office executives of the Upper East Regional Chapter of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA).

The seven-member Executive Board has Mr Eric Kwadjo Amoh, Editor, Ghana News Agency, as its Chairman, Mr Osman Muntawakilu, GBC, Vice Chairman, Mr Isaac Asare, GBC, Secretary and Mrs Fatima Anafu-Astanga, GNA, Treasurer.

The co-opted members, are Mr Samuel Adadi Akapule, Ghanaian Times, Mr Emmanuel Akayeti, GBC and Mr Adul-Hamid Alhandu, Graphic.

Justice Aseidu who administered the Oath of Office and Secrecy, said 'I will urge you to do investigative journalism instead of just blowing up whatever comes, the Oath of Secrecy says you ought not to do that.'

Mr Amoh, thanked the Judge for the honour done them, and promised to collaborate with the court for news stories.