Actress and activist Lydia Forson has called for compassion and responsible journalism in the aftermath of the tragic military helicopter crash that claimed eight lives on Wednesday, August 6.
In a heartfelt statement posted on her social media, Ms Forson stressed that the nation is united in grief, saying the losses suffered were collective and the pain shared.
She extended her prayers to the families of the deceased and urged the media to exercise restraint and empathy. “This is not content. Allow people to grieve. How many more times must we say this?” she wrote.
Forson also appealed to the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) to take a stronger stance on ethical media practices.
“I call on the GJA to step up and lead by holding its members accountable. Enough is enough.”
Lydia Forson
Echoing similar sentiments, rapper Sarkodie condemned the rush for exclusive content at the expense of decency. “Wanting to be the first to get exclusives all in the name of content can make you inhumane … Be human first,” he wrote.
GJA Mourns Victims of Helicopter Crash
The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) expressed profound sorrow over the tragic helicopter crash that claimed the lives of eight individuals.
In a statement issued on Thursday, August 7, the Association said it was “absolutely devastated” by the news, describing the incident as a national tragedy of immense proportions.
The GJA extended its “deepest and heartfelt condolences” to the families of the victims, particularly their spouses and children, as well as the President of the Republic, the Government of Ghana, and the Ghana Armed Forces. “We pray for God’s divine strength and comfort to envelop them during this incredibly difficult time,” the statement read.
The victims, who were on an official mission to take illegal small-scale mining, known as galamsey, were praised by the GJA as “gallant servants of the nation” who died in the line of duty.
The Association paid special tribute to two of the deceased, Dr. Edward Omane Boamah and Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, recalling their cordial working relationship with the media during their service as Minister for Communications and Deputy Minister for Information, respectively, in the first Mahama administration. “Our thoughts and prayers are with every single person affected by this devastating tragedy,” the Association said.
The GJA also commended the swift efforts of security personnel, emergency responders, and hospital staff who worked under emotional strain to recover and transport the bodies of the victims to the morgue.
In the wake of the tragedy, the GJA called on all journalists and media outlets to demonstrate the highest standards of professionalism, empathy, and ethical conduct in their coverage of the crash.
“We must honor the memory of the departed by treating this incident with the dignity and respect the deceased deserves,” the statement urged, adding a strong appeal to end the circulation of graphic images related to the crash.
Describing such content as “highly insensitive” and a violation of the media’s code of ethics, the GJA emphasized the need for restraint across both traditional and digital platforms.
As a mark of respect, the National Executive of the Association has suspended all planned activities until further notice. “May the souls of the departed rest in perfect peace,” concluded the statement signed by GJA President, Albert Kwabena Dwumfour.
Meanwhile, Shamima Muslim acknowledged the media’s critical role in informing the public but urged restraint in the use of graphic visuals, out of respect for the deceased and their families.
Ms. Muslim stressed the need to avoid the circulation of distressing images, particularly those captured shortly after the crash in the Adansi Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Region.
She disclosed that the government has formed a planning committee to oversee the funeral and burial arrangements of the deceased.
She added that the planning committee is working to ensure a smooth and solemn process for honouring the victims.
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