Media Practitioner Demands Immediate Apology from Effutu MCE
I strongly condemn the comments made by the Effutu Municipal Chief Executive, Hon. Rev. Atta Mensah, on his programme this morning, in which he referred to Nyamekye of NYCE 90.7 FM as a taxi driver in connection with his position on the ongoing transport fare concerns in Winneba.
As a media practitioner, I find such a comment unacceptable and disrespectful to the work of journalists and media professionals.
The fact that Nyamekye gave the taxi drivers a platform to express their concerns, or supported their call for an increase in transport fares, does not make him a taxi driver. A journalist does not lose his professional identity simply because he discusses or takes a position on an issue affecting a section of the public.
The MCE must understand that media practitioners have a responsibility to amplify public concerns, ask difficult questions and participate in discussions on issues affecting the people they serve. That responsibility should not be reduced to personal attacks or attempts to discredit a presenter because his views do not align with those of a public official.
Hon. Rev. Atta Mensah owes Nyamekye an apology. He must withdraw the statement and apologise publicly for what was said.
Public office comes with responsibility, and disagreement with a media practitioner does not give any public official the right to belittle or attack the person’s professional identity.
We expect public officials to engage the media with respect, maturity and accountability, even when they disagree with the views being expressed.
This is not about taxi fares alone. It is about respect for media practitioners and the fundamental role of the media in society.
By: Piquewrites
