GJA Condemns Postings of Okala’s Remains Photo

A statement issued by the secretary of the ER-GJA Secretary, Maxwell Kudekor stated emphatically that ” Even though Article 5 of the GJA code of ethics states clearly that, ‘journalists should respect the rights, privacy and dignity of individuals’ , some of our colleagues shunned their professional ethics and trampled on Bob Okala’s dignity without recognizing emotions and sensitivity of families of the late Comedian”.

Below is the full release.

PRESS RELEASE
March 13, 2016

ER GJA CONDEMNS PUBLICATION OF BOB OKALA’S REMAINS AT MORTUARY

The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) in Eastern Region condemns the publication and circulation of pictures of the lifeless body of Ghanaian comedian, Samuel Boaben, popularly called Bob Okala, at the Koforidua Regional Hospital mortuary.

The Association deems the publication of the lifeless body as highly unethical, unprofessional and irresponsible on the part of the journalists who perpetuated this ethical breach.

The GJA in Eastern Region is worried about the seemingly breakdown of discipline and ethics among some journalists in the discharge of their professional duties.

Even though Article 5 of the GJA code of ethics states clearly that, ‘journalists should respect the rights, privacy and dignity of individuals’ , some of our colleagues shunned their professional ethics and trampled on Bob Okala’s dignity without recognizing emotions and sensitivity of families of the late Comedian.

Ironically, one of the online news platforms, Brytfmonline.com, that caused this professional breach is a subsidiary company of the organization (Joy Industries Ltd) that organized the concert in Koforidua which Okala performed in before his demise.

The GJA in the Eastern Region wants to use this medium to call all journalists in the region to order, and cautions that, we endeavour to adhere to the principles of good journalistic practice.

Signed
Maxwell Kudekor
GJA Secretary – E/R
0242027285.

By: Hwenebobo Newsstand