OccupyGhana Kick Against "Soli" to Journalists


OccupyGhana, a pressure group has decided to discontinue the widely tolerated practice of handing   out cash to journalists who show up to cover events and report.

A statement issued to the Ghana News Agency by George Andah of OccupyGhana said ” the practice of handing out cash that is carried out when journalists cover events flies in the face of ethical journalistic  practice, as it can be construed to suggest an inducement for  the favorable reporting of an event.       

It also potentially raises  questions  about the accuracy, fairness and balance of  the stories that are eventually written.        

It said “ fully cognizant that the practice of paying ‘soli’ provides a fertile ground for corruption to thrive, this decision was taken to demonstrate OccupyGhana’s anti - corruption stance and also to establish for  the record that the    movement is not about talk lone but also about deeds.

Although we  believe  such action  has the potential to “hurt” coverage of OccupyGhana events, "we believe it's the right decision."

"OccupyGhana stands in solidarity with the many journalists who do not insist on nor request cash handouts before they  do their jobs.   

In fact we take this  opportunity to  acknowledge their principled stance and hope that their compatriots  will  come to accept the wisdom of their position.

"Once again we salute these patriotic Journalists who have decided to     put Ghana first on this journey to get Ghana work again by covering and reporting OccupyGhana’s activities, “we cannot  achieve this collective goal without you,” it added.         

The statement said “ let us be      the generation to plant trees today so the next generation can enjoy   the shade.

OccupyGhana commended journalists and media houses who  continue to cover its programs and bring the activities to the general public in their homes, workplaces and on every street corner.

The statement however noted that OccupyGhana recognizes the crucial role that Journalists play in propagating their message, and galvanizing ordinary citizens to positively engage with government to ensure good governance is entrenched and  routinized in all spheres of national life.

OccupyGhana considers the media as key partners/stakeholders in the crusade to get Ghana working again for the    benefit of all Ghanaians.     

It noted that the media is also expected to act in line with the standard ethical practices that underpin their profession.

As a movement committed to promoting good governance and highlighting all corrupt practices that contribute to economic stagnation and lack of development of the country.

SOURCE: GNA