GJA condemns 'Soli'

Accra, Dec. 12, GNA - The Ethics and Disciplinary Council of the Ghana Journalists Association on Wednesday asked management of media houses to institute in-house policies against demanding and accepting any form of inducement from the public by their reporters. The Council further called on management of media houses to institute the practice of making adequate provision for their reporters on assignments to avoid the situation where reporters might be compelled to accept such inducements

A statement signed by Dr A. Bonnah Koomson, Chairman of the Ethics and Disciplinary Council, expressed serious concerns about recent media reports and public discussions which gave the impression that "giving money and/ or other forms of inducement to journalists is acceptable". "For the avoidance of doubt, such practices are not only an embarrassment to the profession but also undermine the cardinal principle of merit in news gathering, news judgement and presentation. It is the duty of every professional journalist to report events without the assistance of any incentive".

The Council stated in no uncertain terms that incentive or inducement of any kind, whether offered or demanded is contrary to Article 3 of the GJA Code of Ethics, which expressly states that 'journalists should not accept bribe or any form of inducement to influence the performance of their professional duties'.

The statement also cautioned the public against making overtures and offering such incentives under the guise of transportation "since the giver and the receiver are partners in crime".