Sehwi Wiawso Traditional Council Warns Journalists Not To Tag the Council With Political Colours
The Sehwi Wiawso Traditional Council has issued a stern warning to journalists and media houses to refrain from tagging the council with political party colours.
This comes in the wake of recent visits by the New Patriotic Party's presidential candidate, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia to theconstituency which has been inaccurately reported as endorsements of political parties by the traditional authority.
In a media engagement at the Okogyeabour palace, they emphasized the importance of maintaining the apolitical nature of their institution. Nana Eluo Payin, chief of Sehwi Nsuasua who doubles as the Kyidomhene of the traditional council stated emphatically that the council remains a non-partisan body dedicated to the welfare and development of itscommunities.
The council further clarified that its doors are open to all who wish to pay their respects or discuss issues pertinent to the development of the area, irrespective of their political affiliations.
“Both political divisions are Ghanaian. Whenever either of them undertakes a developmental initiative within the traditional area which fosters its growth, the said party must be commended. So, it is totally out of place for the media to portray the council’s commendations as its affiliation and preference for a certain political party”, Nana Eluo Payinclarifies.
The council urged journalists to adhere to ethical standards by reporting accurately and avoiding the spread of false information that could undermine the council's neutrality.
This follows several incidents where media reports have inaccurately portrayed the traditional council as being aligned with specific political parties after their leaders' visits. Such misrepresentations, according to the council, risk creating unnecessary divisions within the community and distorting the true purpose of these visits.
With reference to Rwanda’s political turbulence, Nana Eluo Payin reminded journalists of the key roles played by the media in igniting and fueling such incident hence warn them not to replicate such in Ghana as the country prepares to hit the polls.
The council reiterated its commitment to serving the Sefwi Wiawso community impartially, and called on all stakeholders including the media to support their efforts in fostering unity and development.
As the political climate heats up ahead of the upcoming elections, the Sefwi Wiawso Traditional Council's statement serves as a crucial reminder of the need for accurate and responsible journalism in safeguarding the integrity of traditional institutions and the general peace of the country.
By Henry Donkor