Ian Mortey, a Senior Assistant Editor at the News-Times Corporation, publisher of the Ghanaian Times newspaper has advised journalists in Ghana to be careful of their safety, especially when they go to report on violent demonstrations.
Disguising and positioning themselves strategically among the tensed demonstrators, Mr Mortey said, can make journalists eavesdrop on their grievances to gather facts for their report.
“Remember that during such tense situations, nobody’s safety is guaranteed, particularly if the community or demonstrators dislike journalists. It is, therefore, very important for journalists on the field to prioritise their safety when they go to cover rowdy events.
“Hide your press card when you realise that the grounds are not favourable for you as a journalist and observe the scene. Although you’re enthusiastic to get the news, remember not to be one of their victims,” Ian Mortey schooled members of the Tema Regional Chapter of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), at its one-day workshop for its members at the Ashaiman Municipal Assembly (ASHMA).
Speaking on the topic: ‘Safety on the field’, Ian Mortey, who was also a former Vice Chairman for the Tema Regional GJA, mentioned physical assault on journalists by security personnel, road accidents, hostilities by government agencies and threats from politicians as other hazards which have made journalists in Ghana fragile.
These circumstances notwithstanding, Mr Mortey gave the participants a couple of psychological titbits to enable them stay alert as guests of government agencies and politicians.
Though journalism in Ghana is not lucrative, thus making most journalists financially exposed, Mr Mortey said journalists must not allow themselves to be used as tools for settling scores.
Therefore, while going about their duty, he cautioned journalists against the publication of news that can spur indignation, “because when your community or country goes up in the flames, you too will have your losses to count. If you find the news very sensitive, drop it.”
He also reminded journalists to regularly go for medical checkups, given the hustle and bustle and lack of rest they go through daily to gather news.
“Do not allow the passion and accolades you enjoy from the public and your employer to steal your health because if you don’t check your health regularly, the consequences are enormous, especially to your dependants,” he noted.
Despite the numerous challenges that make them fragile, Ian Mortey, the Senior Assistant Editor at the News-Times Corporation, encouraged journalists to practise with passion, flair, prestige modesty, patience and enthusiasm.
