CHRAJ Director Warns Irresponsible Court Reporting Erodes Public Trust

Jaladeen Abdulai, the Upper East Regional Director of the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), has warned journalists about the dangers of irresponsible court reporting. He stated that such reporting damages public trust in Ghana's justice system. These practices also threaten the fairness of court trials across Ghana. Inaccurate or sensational reporting can mislead the public. It can prejudice ongoing legal cases. This weakens belief in the courts. Mr. Abdulai made these remarks during a training session for journalists. The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) organised this event in Bolgatanga. It marked World Press Freedom Day. The training aimed to improve reporting on crime and court matters.

Journalism is vital for transparency and accountability. However, Mr. Abdulai cautioned that ignoring legal and ethical rules can lead to human rights abuses. Responsible journalism builds confidence in the justice system. Poor reporting can deter victims and witnesses. They may stop cooperating with the police. "Irresponsible reporting destroys lives and erodes institutional trust," Mr. Abdulai stated. "The media's power to shape the perception of justice carries profound ethical responsibility." This warning comes in light of the media's significant influence on public perception. The GJA's Code of Ethics guides journalists in their work.

Accurate, fair, and respectful reporting is crucial for crime and court news. Journalists should not declare suspects guilty. They must wait for court rulings. Individuals arrested are suspects until a court proves them guilty. Mr. Abdulai advised against labelling people as "criminals" or "thieves" during investigations. He urged reporters to use terms like "suspected" or "alleged." This avoids contempt of court charges. Publishing unverified claims as facts is dangerous. Revealing victims' identities, especially children or sexual assault survivors, can cause harm. It can lead to unfair trials and stigma. Such actions can also expose media houses to legal action. This includes defamation lawsuits. Contempt of court is another serious risk. Mr. Abdulai stressed the importance of using reliable sources. Court registrars are good sources of official information. He encouraged reporters to understand legal procedures. This improves the quality of their stories. "Report only what is said in open court," he advised. "Verify your facts and always apply the public interest test."

Justice Ernest Gemadzi, the Upper East Regional Supervising High Court Judge, acknowledged the media's role. He called journalists the "fourth arm of government." He stressed their importance in Ghana's democracy. Journalists must work with courts to administer justice. They should avoid actions that could lead to contempt of court. This brings the judicial system into disrepute. Mr. Albert Sore, the Regional Chairman of the GJA, agreed. He highlighted the need for journalists to understand court proceedings. This ensures accurate reporting. He encouraged journalists to visit courts regularly. Many public-interest stories originate there. Responsible reporting informs the public effectively. The training highlights ongoing efforts to professionalise journalism in Ghana. This is crucial for upholding democratic values.