Banjul: The Secretary-General of the Sports Writers Association of Ghana (SWAG), Charles Osei Asibey, has urged sports journalists at the AIPS Africa Congress in Banjul, The Gambia, to engage in investigative journalism that reveals corruption while preserving the integrity of African sports institutions.
According to Ghana Web, Osei Asibey emphasized the mission of African sports journalists to expose systemic corruption while maintaining the structure of the institutions they aim to cleanse. He highlighted the significant power held by modern sports journalists, which can either drive growth or lead to institutional collapse, urging them to discern this distinction before starting any investigative project.
Osei Asibey, an experienced figure in sports journalism, argued for the necessity of wielding investigative journalism with precision, akin to a surgeon, rather than with reckless abandon. He stressed that the true value of journalism is reflected not in the chaos it leaves behind but in the positive reforms it initiates.
He recalled the impact of Ghana's CAN 2008 'Abon Wo Ha' scandal, which, while uncovering deep-seated issues and promoting accountability, resulted in Ghana's withdrawal from hosting future major tournaments. This incident caused global embarrassment and stunted opportunities for critical infrastructure development, serving as a stark example of the consequences of sensationalism devoid of constructive focus.
The recent Kwesi Nyantakyi saga was also discussed, highlighting how the investigation, despite exposing corruption, led to sponsorships drying up, paralysed local leagues, and left the national team struggling to recover from the ensuing institutional vacuum. Osei Asibey urged journalists to ensure their reporting seeks to reform institutions rather than annihilate them.
He expanded his discussion to Nigeria, noting the absence of major international tournaments since the 2003 African Games, largely due to controversies and corruption allegations. These examples serve as warnings of the risks of focusing solely on 'gotcha' moments without considering long-term health.
Conversely, Osei Asibey pointed to Morocco as a model of collaboration between media and state, highlighting successful tournament hosting as evidence of how transparency and national interest can coexist, strengthening a country's global sporting reputation.
Addressing young journalists, Osei Asibey stressed that the aim should always be to uplift communities and sports institutions. He warned against a destructive approach that fosters fear and distrust, urging for long-term credibility.
He concluded by urging editors and media houses to prioritize transparency, accountability, and good governance over short-term social media engagement, emphasizing the role of journalists as custodians of sports history. He called on African journalists to embrace responsibility, advocating for investigative journalism that upholds accountability with a commitment to the future of African sports.