GJA strongly condemns taping and publication of private conversation

Accra, Nov. 10, GNA - The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) on Monday, condemned the secret recording and publication of a private conversation between Mr Ben Koufie, Chairman of the Ghana Football Association (GFA) and Mr Y.A. Ibrahim, Council member, saying it was unethical.

It said: "The GJA Executive takes a serious view of the clandestine method used by the perpetrator to gather information because it violates decency, professionalism and above all ethics of journalism." A statement issued by the Association and signed by its President, Ms Ajoa Yeboah-Afari said publishing the taped conversation also violated the right to privacy of the two victims and was in contempt of their dignity.

"Thus the perpetrator and the publisher have done Ghanaian journalism a great disservice," it said.

The GJA consequently urged Journalists to desist from using such underhand and unorthodox methods but rather carry out their work in a fair, objective and professional manner at all times.

It referred media practitioners to Article 5 of the Association's Code of Ethics, which states: "Journalists should respect the right of the individual to privacy and human dignity."

It also quoted Article of 12 of the Code of Ethics, which enjoins Journalists to obtain information, photography and illustrations only by straightforward means.

The statement said the GJA was compelled to issue the statement even though the views of its Executive had already been made known in media interviews because the matter in question was so critical to journalistic ethics and the national Constitution, while the controversy over the issue also continued.