The Eastern Regional branch of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) has condemned the circulation of photos of comedian Bob Okala’s remains in the media.
Bob Okala died at dawn Sunday March 13, 2016 at the Koforidua Government Hospital in the Eastern Region after he was rushed there following his collapse on stage while performing at a programme at the Jubilee Park at Koforidua.
But the GJA is unhappy about the decision of some media houses to publish the lifeless body of Bob Okala, known in private life as Samuel Boabeng.
In a release Sunday March 13, 2016, the GJA described such publications as “highly unethical, unprofessional, and irresponsible”.
The statement added: “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 recognising emotions and sensitivity of families of the late comedian.”
The association said it, by its release, was calling “all journalists in the region to order” and cautioned members to “endeavour to adhere to the principles of good journalistic practice”.
The statement is published below:
ER GJA CONDEMNS PUBLICATION OF BOB OKALA'S REMAINS AT MORTUARY
The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) in the 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 seeming 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 recognising emotions and sensitivity of families of the late Comedian.
Ironically, one of the online news platforms, Brytfmonline.com, which caused this professional breach, is a subsidiary company of the organisation (Joy Industries Ltd) that organised 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.
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