Veteran journalist, Abdul Malik Kweku Baako, is contesting a decision by the National Media Commission (NMC) on the use of a file photo prior to the premiering of JoyNews documentary, ‘Militia in the heart of the nation’.

Speaking on weekly Newsfile on JoyNews TV/Joy FM Saturday, the Editor-in-Chief of the New Crusading Guide newspaper, could not understand why the NMC would suggest that it is unethical, to use a file image as a representative of what the documentary sought to unravel.

The government, through the Information Minister, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, had petitioned the NMC following issues it had with the online promo as well as the premiering of the documentary, which uncovered the existence of a militia group, De Eye Group, operating from the Christiansborg Castle, Osu.

The government had premised the petition on some nine (9) issues it enumerated following the production of the documentary by Manasseh Azure Awine.

The Commission in its findings faulted the media organisation on the use of a library video from the violence that characterised the Awawaso West Wuogon by-election as well as an image –properly labelled so- describing it as unethical.

JoyNews has rejected this decision and insisted, there was nothing wrong with that.

Read also: JoyNews' position on NMC ruling on ‘Militia in the Heart of the City’ documentary

Kweku Baako agrees and says it is acceptable to use library images in the production of a documentary.

Again on the use of video footage on the disturbances during the Ayawaso West Wuogon by-election, Baako said it is standard practice in journalism and documentary.

“Relative to documentary production, I will find it difficult if that is classified as unethical,” the seasoned journalist argued.

He wondered whether the Commission members were familiar with what is entailed in the production of a documentary.

“Is there a deficit on the part of the members of the panel relative to what goes into documentary production,” he asked.

Kojo Oppong Nkrumah

Earlier, the Information Minister, Oppong Nkrumah, who was also on the programme, conceded that the presence of the group at the former seat of government was problematic.

The Ofoase Ayirebi MP says the government feels vindicated by the ruling.

Watch the video below: