Media urged to stop dramatising defilement cases

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