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Make coup unattractive in reportage …Media told
The United States (US) Ambassador to Ghana, Ms Virginia Palmer has advised the media to make coups unattractive in their reportage as the country gets closer towards its general election.
She said one of the effective means to do so was to target persons who have experienced coups and have been deprived of their rights to tell their own stories.
She was of the view that this would go a long way to discourage others who might be tempted to think that the use of coups was the suitable solution to challenges faced by a country.
Ms Palmer made the comment at the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) and the United States (US) Embassy workshop on ‘Peaceful Journalistic Discourse’ at the International Press Centre for 20 Journalists from the Greater Accra Region.
“When a democratic government fails to live up to expectation, the solution is actually more democracy, not less. We see it in the Sahel where human rights violations by security forces can drive individuals to violent extremism. We also see it where the failure to equitably share economic dividends drives people to seek change” she said.
She observed that coups that install military junta in place of democratically elected governments were the antithesis of democracy because they take power from the people and put it squarely in the hands of a few, usually the military.
“Even when a coup initially has a popular support, it normally takes only a few months and sometimes just a few hours for the people to realise that an authoritarian regime is not the answer to security threats and economic malaise” she said.
The Ambassador said the change that was needed was to share the resources of a country equitably and to structure the economies to ensure that economic prosperity was shared across classes, regions, and sub regions.
She stressed that the solution to corruption was a more democratic governance, more rule of law and more accountability and not less of it.
“Ghana has long been a regional example of stability and democratic success but, as we’ve seen across the region, democracy is under threat and we need to work together to protect it” she told the media.
Ms Palmer noted that, enthusiasm for coups and authoritarianism among the people was often split among age groups.
“Those that remember authoritarian regimes know very well that coups must be avoided at all costs. Young people, on the other hand, without firsthand knowledge of authoritarianism, seems to think coups are the answer to corruption and economic challenges” she said.
She said there was the need for the media to highlight the need for democracy to be upheld as this year was an election year.
She commended the media for their efforts to ensure free and fair election while assuring that the US Embassy would support the sharing of best practices for elections and elections reporting.
She was hopeful that this would be done through a well-educated electorate that is aware of their rights, understand issues and effectively use their voting power in the upcoming elections.
The event which was launched in November last year in Accra had so far taken the workshops to the Volta, Northern and Ashanti regions.
The President for the GJA, Mr Albert Kwabena Dwumfour stated that the theme for the GJA/US Embassy Ghana Project ‘Promoting Peaceful Journalistic Media Platforms ahead of Election 2024’ was appropriate given the tension that invariably characterises the elections in Ghana.
Mr. Dwumfour said the GJA believes that freedom of expression did not only mean allowing people to speak, but also ensuring responsibility, adding that it was important to protect the space for free speech.
The project which brought journalists from various media houses from the Tema, and Accra regions constituted the print, on-line, radio and television.
The aim was to offer among others professional development to Online Editors/Producers/On Air Personalities/Talk Show Hosts.
The GJA/ US Embassy training programme is also to encourage information sharing with Election related entities to better inform the work of the Electoral Commission and related entities with the view to promoting freedom of expression for violent free and credible polls.
From Dzifa Tetteh Tay, Tema
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Is the “Rev” title biblical?
In many Ghanaian churches, pastors are often introduced as “Reverend” or simply “Rev.”
The title is seen as a mark of respect, yet its biblical basis continues to stir debate.
While some Christians argue that it is a harmless way to honour church leaders, others insist it is unbiblical and should not be used at all.
Those who question the title usually point to the Bible itself. Nowhere in Scripture did Jesus or the apostles use “Reverend” for themselves or for one another.
Instead, they addressed each other as “brother” or “servant.” In Matthew 23, Jesus even warned his followers not to seek titles such as “rabbi” or “father,” teaching that all believers are equal under one God.
Critics also note that Psalm 111:9 describes God’s name alone as “holy and reverend” in the King James Bible.
To them, this means the word should be reserved for God, not for human beings. Others go further, citing Job 32, which cautions against giving flattering titles to men.
For such voices, the modern use of “Reverend” risks elevating pastors beyond what the Bible prescribes.
On the other hand, defenders of the title argue that it is not meant to replace God’s reverence but simply to acknowledge a minister’s role.
In many churches, “Reverend” is given to ordained ministers who have undergone training, much like the way a doctor is addressed as “Dr.”
The Bible itself, they point out, encourages believers to honour their leaders, with 1 Timothy 5:17 stating that elders who direct the affairs of the church well are “worthy of double honour.”
In this sense, the title is seen as a formal courtesy rather than a theological statement.
Supporters remind critics that Christianity does not operate in a vacuum but within cultural settings.
In Ghanaian society, respect for elders and authority is central to social order. Just as chiefs are addressed with titles such as “Nana” or “Togbe,” many Christians believe it is fitting to extend a similar courtesy to church leaders.
In their view, calling a pastor “Reverend” reflects Ghanaian values of honour and respect, and does not amount to worshipping a human being.
Yet the debate is far from settled. Some argue that the title has been abused, with individuals presenting themselves as “Reverend” without any proper training or accountability.
Calls have even been made for the regulation of church titles to prevent confusion and protect the credibility of ministry. Others, however, see no harm in its continued use, so long as it is not taken beyond what Scripture allows.
At the heart of the matter lies a bigger question: should Christians stick strictly to biblical language when addressing their leaders, or is it acceptable to adapt titles as society evolves?
The conversation is not just theological but cultural, touching on how Ghana balances respect for tradition with the authority of Scripture.
The debate over the “Rev” title is therefore not one with easy answers. What is clear, however, is that it forces us to reflect on how we show honour, how we interpret the Bible, and how faith interacts with our cultural practices.
As the discussion continues in church pews and on social platforms, we ask you: should pastors and ministers be called “Reverend,” or should Christians abandon the title altogether?
By: Jacob Aggrey
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Police confirm arrest of two suspects in Asankrangwa murder case
The Western Central Regional Police Command has confirmed the arrest of two men in connection with the fatal stabbing of a 20-year-old man at the Asankrangwa Education Area on Sunday, August 17, 2025.
In a statement signed by the Head of the Public Affairs Unit, ASP Beatrice Turkson, the police said preliminary investigations revealed that the deceased was chased and stabbed multiple times by a group of people.
The incident is believed to have stemmed from a misunderstanding between the deceased and one of the suspects, identified as 36-year-old Kwasi Opong.
According to the police, swift action led to the arrest of Opong and another suspect, 23-year-old William Francis Osei. Both are currently in custody assisting with investigations, while efforts are underway to apprehend another suspect who is still on the run.
The police noted that the body of the deceased has been deposited at the Asankrangwa Catholic Hospital morgue for preservation and autopsy.
“The Command assures the public that all persons connected to this heinous crime will be brought to justice,” the statement said.
The police appealed to the public to provide any information that could assist in the ongoing investigations.
By: Jacob Aggrey
