Bolgatanga: Mr Jaladeen Abdulai, Upper East Regional Director of the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), has cautioned journalists against irresponsible crime and court reporting, warning that it undermines public trust in the justice system. He highlighted that such practices also threaten fair trial processes in Ghana's judicial system courts.
According to Ghana News Agency, inaccurate, sensationalised, and unverified reportage could distort public perception of justice, prejudice cases, and weaken confidence in the judiciary. Mr Abdulai issued this warning during a court and crime reporting training organised by the Upper East Regional branch of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) in Bolgatanga. The training was part of activities to commemorate this year's World Press Freedom Day under the theme, 'Shaping a Future at Peace,' aimed at strengthening journalists' capacity in ethical and rights-based reporting on crime and court issues.
Mr Abdulai noted that while journalism plays a critical role in promoting transparency and accountability, failure to adhere to legal and ethical standards could result in serious human rights violations. He stressed that responsible journalism is essential to maintaining confidence in the justice system, adding that poor reporting could discourage victims and witnesses from cooperating with law enforcement agencies. "Irresponsible reporting destroys lives and erodes institutional trust. The media's power to shape the perception of justice carries profound ethical responsibility," Mr Abdulai stated.
He explained that crime and court reporting requires accuracy, fairness, and respect for due process, stressing that journalists must avoid declaring suspects guilty before court rulings. He emphasized that individuals arrested by the police remain suspects until proven guilty by a competent court of law and cautioned against the misuse of terms such as 'criminals' or 'thieves' during ongoing investigations. He advised journalists to instead use terms like 'suspected,' 'alleged,' and 'accused,' among others, to avoid being cited for contempt of court.
Mr Abdulai further warned that publishing unverified allegations as facts, revealing the identities of victims-especially minors and survivors of sexual violence-and invading privacy could lead to unfair trials, stigma, and psychological harm. The Regional Director, who is also a legal practitioner, indicated that such practices could expose media houses to legal liabilities, including defamation and contempt of court.
He urged journalists to rely on credible sources, including court registrars, to obtain accurate information on proceedings rather than speculating or rushing to break news. He encouraged reporters to familiarise themselves with legal processes and terminology to improve the quality of their reportage. "Report only what is said in open court, verify your facts, and always apply the public interest test before publishing sensitive information," he advised. Mr Abdulai also called on media practitioners to adhere strictly to the GJA Code of Ethics and respect constitutional provisions on human rights, including the right to privacy, presumption of innocence, and fair hearing.
Justice Ernest Gemadzi, the Upper East Regional Supervising High Court Judge, noted that journalists are often described as the fourth arm of government, stressing their significant role in the country's democratic dispensation. He emphasized the importance for journalists to work together with the courts in the administration of justice and avoid actions that could lead to contempt of court or bring the judicial system into disrepute.
Mr Albert Sore, the Regional Chairman of the GJA, underscored the need for journalists to be well-versed in court proceedings and activities to enable accurate reporting and avoid challenges. He encouraged journalists to visit the courts regularly, noting that they were full of interesting and public-interest stories, and urged them to report responsibly to inform the public effectively.