Attorney at the International Justice Mission Ghana, Nana Afua Amanfu, has emphasised the need for journalists to report child trafficking cases to the appropriate authorities.
Speaking at a seminar organised by the International Justice Mission Ghana in collaboration with the Ghana Journalists Association, Nana Amanfu stated that while the media plays a critical role in exposing human rights abuses and crimes, journalists also have a legal responsibility to report such cases to the relevant authorities or risk facing penalties.
“When it comes to the media, I know that journalists sometimes receive reports before the authorities do. You have a duty to report. We are not saying that you cannot write your story,” she said.
“You can write your story, but you still have a duty to report when you receive such information. There is also a penalty for failing to report. So, you have a duty to report,” she added.
She further stressed that although journalists gather and report stories, the appropriate institutions must always be involved to ensure cases are properly handled.
“Now, when reporting, I know that journalists have protection over their sources. So you have the choice not to divulge your source. But you still have to report the matter for the police to be able to gather information and find their own sources. You have a duty to report,” she explained.
—
Story by Abraham Aboagye | univers.ug.edu.gh
Edited by Gabriel Tecco Mensah
