News
Media urged to stop dramatising defilement cases
- /home/u249204778/domains/spectator.com.gh/public_html/wp-content/plugins/mvp-social-buttons/mvp-social-buttons.php on line 27
Warning: Trying to access array offset on false in /home/u249204778/domains/spectator.com.gh/public_html/wp-content/plugins/mvp-social-buttons/mvp-social-buttons.php on line 27
&description= Media urged to stop dramatising defilement cases', 'pinterestShare', 'width=750,height=350'); return false;" title="Pin This Post">
- Share
- Tweet /home/u249204778/domains/spectator.com.gh/public_html/wp-content/plugins/mvp-social-buttons/mvp-social-buttons.php on line 72
Warning: Trying to access array offset on false in /home/u249204778/domains/spectator.com.gh/public_html/wp-content/plugins/mvp-social-buttons/mvp-social-buttons.php on line 72
&description= Media urged to stop dramatising defilement cases', 'pinterestShare', 'width=750,height=350'); return false;" title="Pin This Post">
The convener of the Affirmative Action Law Coalition, Sheila Minkah-Premo Esq has urged the media to exercise greater sensitivity in reporting defilement cases, as dramatising coverage can traumatise victims, hinder justice and continue harmful stereotypes.
According to her, responsible reporting can create awareness without causing further harm. The media must strike a balance between informing the public and protect survivors.
She made this known at a two-day training workshop organised by The Affirmative Action Law Coalition in collaboration with the Abantu for Development and supported by Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES).
The workshop held in Accra brought together representatives from civil society organisations, media houses and governance institutions to deepen their understanding of the laws provision, enhance their advocacy capabilities and promote responsible public reporting in its progress.
“In recent reporting on a defilement case involving a minor, it is aired with dramatic music and blurred visuals of the victims. They sometimes disclosed the location and age of victim making it easy for community members to identify the child,” the convener of the Affirmative Action Law Coalition stressed.
She stated that when the media dramatises defilement cases, it shifts focus from justice to drama.
She further emphasised that the critical role of the media is public education and dispelling misconceptions about the AAA Law (Gender Act 2024 Act 1121).
She called on stakeholders, from policy makers to community leaders to actively contribute towards realising Ghana’s vision to equitable representation in leadership.
Mary Tobin Osei, a researcher, stated that effective advocacy depends on civic actors and the media must have a full understanding of the law.
By Linda Abrefi Wadie
Businessman Mr. Ibrahim Mahama has denied reports linking him to a takeover bid for the Volta Aluminium Company (VALCO).
His reaction follows a demonstration by members of the VALCO Labour Union today, during which some protesters alleged that Mr. Mahama was interested in acquiring the state-owned aluminium company.
In a statement issued by his Special Aide, Rafik Mahama, the businessman said he has “no such interest” and has not made any offer to acquire VALCO.
“The allegation is the latest in several vile attempts to impute the integrity of Mr. Ibrahim Mahama and subject him to needless public engagements,” the statement said.
The statement added that Mr. Mahama’s business track record speaks for itself, describing his companies as “some of the best-run operations across the African continent.”
It further noted that all of Mr. Mahama’s business interests were “legally commenced or acquired” and operate within the law a fact it said explains why his businesses have endured across seven election cycles.
“Mr. Mahama remains committed to contributing his quota to the development of Ghana by investing in business opportunities in Ghana and beyond,” the statement added.
The statement also disclosed that Mr. Mahama has instructed his lawyers to take the necessary legal action over the publication and allegations.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
The leadership of Kristo Asafo has dismissed reports circulating on social media and in some media outlets that the late Apostle Kwadwo Safo Kantanka will be buried on July 30, 2026, describing the claim as false.
The current head of the Kantanka family and leader of Kristo Asafo, Kwadwo Safo Akofena Kantanka, addressed the issue during a press conference in Accra today.
He said no burial date has been set and urged members of the church and the general public to disregard any unofficial announcements.
“I urge the members of Kristo Asafo and the nation to disregard any burial date out there,” Akofena said.
He further stressed that neither the leadership of the church nor the Kantanka family has made any such announcement regarding the funeral.
According to him, all official funeral arrangements will be communicated only through a formal statement from the Kantanka family when the time is due.
Akofena Safo Kantanka said the family remains united in ensuring that the final funeral rites are conducted in a manner that befits the legacy of the late Apostle.
He called on Ghanaians to remain calm and wait for the official communication from the family, warning against the spread of misinformation.
Background
Apostle Dr. Ing. Kwadwo Safo Kantanka, founder and spiritual leader of Kristo Asafo Mission of Ghana, passed away recently, plunging the church and the nation into mourning.
The late Apostle was widely known not only as a religious leader but also as an industrialist, inventor, and founder of the Kantanka Group of Companies, which manufactures vehicles and other machinery in Ghana.
Since his passing, there has been heightened public interest in his funeral arrangements.
It would be recalled that a faction of the siblings and family led by former MP Adwoa Safo had earlier announced a proposed burial date and arrangements.
That announcement, however, has been rejected by the current leadership of both the church and the family.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
