Let’s report on Otumfuo and Dormaahene conflict with caution- GJA to media

Ghana Journalists Association has urged media practitioners in the country to ensure reportage on the ongoing conflict between Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II and Domaahene is in a manner devoid of sensationalism to prevent the disagreement from escalating to unmanageable proportions.

A statement issued by GJA on Wednesday19 January 2022 said “The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) is urging extreme caution over the media coverage of the simmering conflict between His Royal Majesty Otumfuor Osei Tutu 11, Asantehene and  Dormaahene , Osagyefo Agyeman Badu 11”.

“It is needless to state that the hyper – sensitive issue involving the two prominent chiefs can degenerate into a conflict of unthinkable proportions,   if it is not handled with the highest degree of circumspection, especially by the media”, the statement said.

Below is the full statement:

IMMEDIATE RELEASE

GJA URGES EXTREME CAUTION IN COVERAGE OF ASANTEHENE/
DORMAAHENE CONFLICT

The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) is urging extreme caution over the media coverage of the simmering conflict between His Royal Majesty Otumfuor Osei Tutu 11, Asantehene and  Dormaahene , Osagyefo Agyeman Badu 11.

It is needless to state that the hyper – sensitive issue involving the two prominent chiefs can degenerate into a conflict of unthinkable proportions,   if it is not handled with the highest degree of circumspection, especially by the media.

The sensational tilt and explosive angles which have characteristized the coverage of the verbal exchanges should, therefore, give way to conflict sensitive reporting which will allow tempers to cool down and the issue to be contained or resolved in the long run.

The GJA particularly wants traditional media editors and social media activists to filter any pronouncements from the two chiefs through a very tight weave of journalistic responsibility and gatekeeping. In other words, they should think through the consequences or weigh fully the implications of anything they put out on the matter.  This is to ensure that the public is fed with ethically wholesome and culturally edifying information which will not escalate the tension nor compromise the peace and security in the two traditional areas, and by extension the entire nation.

Finally, the media must be part of the solution and not part of a chieftancy clash of staggering magnitude.

Affail Monney
President

Source: africaneditors.com