
Audio By Carbonatix
Journalists of media houses in Ghana that disclosed the identities of two British juveniles being held for allegedly possessing narcotics could be jailed for 12 months.An Attorney at the Attorney General’s Department, Barbara Sackey, told Joy News it is against the law to publish the names and pictures of juveniles involved in criminal cases.She said: “In some of the newspapers you have the pictures of the juveniles, this would lead to the disclosure of their identities. Such particular act was illegal.”She said notwithstanding the fact that the Narcotics Control Board released the names to the media houses, the latter still stands the risk of going to jail.Madam Sackey said: “The penalties are an imprisonment for a term not exceeding 12 months or a fine of 250 penalty units.”It is illegal under section three of the Juvenile Justice Act 653 of Ghana to disclose the identities of minors in custody, regardless of the offence.Since the arrest of the girls however, some media houses have published their names and pictures.She said the A-G’s department does not intend to prosecute any media house now but served notice that henceforth any journalist that falls foul of the law would be prosecuted.Most of the editors Joy News spoke to concurred with the A-G’s stand but said it is “discriminatory and unfortunate” to use the British teens’ case to remind them.Meanwhile, the Ghana Journalists Association has said it will refer the matter to its disciplinary committee for appropriate action against all media houses found culpable.The Vice President of the GJA, Mr Affail Monney told Joy News the publication of the pictures and names of the girls does not only violate the law but also breaches the GJA's code of ethics.He said: “Looking at their age, certainly they need to be protected. Any paper which went beyond the ethical limit to expose them I believe that this was on the wrong side.”Also, the Head of the Legal Team of a London advocacy group, Fair Trials Abroad, Sabine Zanker, is pushing for prosecution against journalists who violated the law.“It will set an example and make others more careful. We have been speaking to the family members of the girls and they are frightened and bewildered. They have decided not to speak to the papers any more…these girls need to be protected,” she said.
DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
Tags:
DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
Latest Stories
-
Berekum Chelsea edge Aduana FC in Bono derby to boost survival hopes
1 hour -
‘They can’t control the team’ – Ernest Thompson doubts local coaches for Black Stars role
2 hours -
Ghana-born midfielder Seidu realises ‘dream’ with Atlético Madrid debut
2 hours -
GPL 2025/26: Bubakari strikes late to hand All Blacks vital win over Dreams FC
2 hours -
Fatal crash on Kintampo–Tamale highway claims four lives
2 hours -
2025–26 FA Cup Semifinal Draw: Chelsea, Man City Learn Wembley Opponents
3 hours -
GPL 25/26: Gold Stars back on top after beating Nations FC
3 hours -
GPL 2025/26: Heart of Lions roar back with victory over Vision FC in Kpando
4 hours -
Solomon Agbasi: Hearts keeper in stable condition after concussion
4 hours -
GPL 2025/26: Late Salim Adams penalty earns Medeama draw at Bechem
4 hours -
Hearts pip Young Apostles 1-0 to end 5-game winless run
5 hours -
Boakye Agyarko marks Easter Sunday with a call for Godly leadership ahead of nationwide campaign tour
6 hours -
Pepsi withdraws as UK festival sponsor after Kanye West backlash
6 hours -
Pope Leo calls for global leaders to choose peace in his first Easter Mass
6 hours -
Kpando MP highlights progress on road projects
6 hours