Director of the Anti-Human Trafficking Unit of the Ghana Police Service, Superintendent William Ayaregah, has urged journalists to avoid sensationalism when reporting cases of human trafficking.
Speaking at a seminar organised by the International Justice Mission (IJM) Ghana in collaboration with the Ghana Journalists Association, Superintendent Ayaregah stressed that while journalists are committed to publishing stories, they must ensure that such reports are handled responsibly.
“You must avoid sensationalism. I know that for most journalists, sensational stories are what sell. But you must protect victims of trafficking,” he said. “Strictly adhere to the ‘do no harm’ principle. Avoid sensationalism and ensure the legal integrity of investigations.”
He explained that protecting the privacy and identities of survivors is important, as disclosing sensitive information could retraumatise victims.
He further noted that journalists must uphold confidentiality and maintain ethical standards when reporting such cases.
“Protect the survivor’s privacy to prevent retraumatisation. When you report certain negative details and the victim hears them, you are retraumatising the person. Sometimes, there are sensitive aspects of investigations that must be handled carefully. Uphold confidentiality and privacy; do not disclose identities,” he explained.
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Story by Charles Wumbe Dauda | univers.ug.edu.gh
Edited by Gabriel Tecco Mensah
