Citi FM, BNI and Cocaine
The media (in this case citifmonline.com) could have done better in the treatment of the initial story on the arrest of the cocaine-carrying lady instead of just literally lifting what was making the rounds on social media.
Some checks could have been made with NACOB.
Such initial checks may have resulted in some relevant additional information.
Even if in the process they declined to comment, some references to NACOB would have made the treatment of the story more professional. BUT, there was a story to be told and they didn’t get it entirely wrong:
a. Did we know about the arrest prior to the initial publication? No, except those who may have seen it on social media with questions of credibility
b. Was it a matter of public and national interest? Yes, indeed
c. Was someone arrested for Cocaine? Yes
d. Was the arrest at Heathrow? Yes
e. Was the one arrested a Woman? Yes
f. Did she go through our airport? Yes
g. Was the quantity of cocaine 12 kgs? Yes
???? Was the person carrying Diplomatic Passport? We don?t know.
The authorities say she did not travel on diplomatic passport. This is not exactly the same as saying she does not carry a diplomatic passport.
??? Was the name given in the initial report correct? No (according to the name now given by NACOB)
??? Is the one arrested connected to government? We don’t know yet
“”” If the journalists failed to check on the three is it an issue? Yes, it is. Accuracy is the name of the game.
“””” But did that warrant the arrest of the manager of the station by BNI? NO, that should be happening in Somalia not in Ghana.
“”” Can the BNI folks invite/arrest anyone at all on any issue they deem relevant to national security? Yes, without rights abuses.
“”””” But when they do so, can they or should they deny the person his/her right to a lawyer? No, that is an abuse.
***** Are the media Unprofessional? It’s a big concern and the major threat to the industry today.
**** When they are unprofessional should they be abused? NO, NO, NO
**** But what should be the remedy? Tune off, don’t read or view, Go to the NMC or the Courts
