GJA resolution of impasse between two editors inconclusive

The Ethics Committee of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) has resolved the imbroglio between Mr. Elvis Aryeh, editor of the Daily Graphic and Mr Kofi Coomson, editor of The Ghanaian Chroncile but there appears to be something inconclusive about the settlement, according to The Crusading Guide.

Readers will recall that in a radio discussion on May 2, 2001 on Joy FM, Mr Coomson made allegations of impropriety against the Daily Graphic Mr Elvis Aryeh, who also reacted in a Graphic editorial of May 3, 2001 and made a series of allegations of improper conduct against Mr Kofi Coomson.

Dissatisfied, Kofi Coomson, reacted to the Graphic editorial by making accusations of lack of professional judgement against Elvis Aryeh. The Committee, made up of Mrs. Frances Ademola (Chairperson); Mr Kafui Asem; Mr Kwesi Afriyie Badu; Professor Henrietta Mensa-Bonsu; Dr. Anthony Bonnah Koomson; Mr Kweku Rockson; Mr Frank K. Kludje (Member-Secretary) and Mr Bright Blewu (Member-Liaison); acknowledged that the two senior journalists were motivated by their desire to uphold media accountability.

However, it discovered that "their mode of approach fell short of professional etiquette". Mr Coomson, reacting to the settlement told The Crusading Guide that he had told the Committee at least ten times that he was interested in the truth first and then reconciliation which he said appeared to be the preoccupation of the Committee.

He intimated that he gave it (Committee) a memo and court document as well as clues that could help them arrive at the truth themselves since Mr. Aryeh was unable and/or unwilling to substantiate any of the serious allegations he (Aryeh) made against him (Coomson). Coomson recalled that Aryeh had come up with an excuse that he was unwilling to substantiate his allegations before the Committee.

"He has no evidence and the pressure should now be on the Board of Directors of Graphic Communications Group to restrain him from using State resources to fight his battle", Coomson said. Meanwhile, many Journalists have expressed the view that the Ethics Committee had failed in really resolving the issue.

However, according to a post-settlement release signed by Mrs. Frances Ademola, Kofi Coomson had admitted that he had been unduly harsh in his criticism and in a like manner, Elvis Aryeh also conceded that he had reacted harshly under provocation.