Kwame Karikari, a journalism and mass communication professor, has argued that the media can use its judgment to blacklist any public figure or newsmaker whose acts are thought to be demeaning to the journalism profession.
He asserts that the 1992 Constitution protects media independence and characterizes it as a violation of those principles should politicians or newsmakers attack a media professional.
In his argument, Professor Karikari said that the media has every right to enforce a blackout if a public figure—particularly a minister—engages in behavior that betrays the values of journalism and does not take corrective measures.
He maintained that the media may preserve journalistic standards and preserve its integrity by using this strategy as a potent tool.
Professor Karikari stated on JoyNews’ PM Express on Monday, “If a minister behaves in such a manner toward any segment of the media and does not take corrective action, then the politician deserves to be simply blacked out.”
He brought attention to the reality that politicians can choose not to invite certain media teams to their programs and even boycott particular media outlets in the current media environment. As a result, he contended, the media ought to be allowed to respond in kind.
Mavis Hawa Koomson, the minister of fisheries and aquaculture development, has been under a complete media embargo for the past two weeks by the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA).
After an attack on a journalist by what were believed to be the MP’s goons at the NPP’s parliamentary candidate screening in Cape Coast, the GJA instructed the media to refrain from reporting on any events involving the Awutu Senya East MP.
This complete blackout also includes Farouk Aliu Mahama, the MP for Yendi, who was allegedly seen assaulting a Citi FM reporter during the NPP Parliamentary elections.
Prof. Karikari clarified that while a media blackout of important institutions like the President and Parliament would be highly inappropriate, individual politicians who act disrespectfully toward the media should be held accountable for their actions. The strategy has been criticized by some as not being in the best interests of the public.
“When you assault a journalist, you are telling the media ‘We don’t want you,’ so what business does the media have rendering a service that you claim you do not want? So for me, the media blacking out anyone is within their right.”
During the same program, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, the Minister of Information, encouraged the GJA to make sure that comprehensive investigations were conducted before the implementation of the blackout policy.
He pointed out that while the directive is commendable if it is not controlled, it might be abused.
