Don’t mislead people on legal issues – Lawyer urges journalists, media practitioners

Public-spirited Lawyer Ms Ernestina Obboh Botchwey has appealed to journalists and other media practitioners to avoid commenting on matters of the law or any other issue they do not have enough knowledge on.

She explained that because their audience trusts them and believe what they say to be factual or true, they end up misleading them which can have dire consequences.

Ms Obboh Botchwey, who is a Public Defender with the Legal Aid Commission of Ghana Ernestina, urged media practitioners to not pretend to be knowledgeable on issues but seek education and guidance before disseminating information on such matters to people.

She found it worrying that so many people are spreading ignorance on issues in the media without bordering to educate themselves properly before speaking publicly.

“There are too many people on our radio and TV Stations, speaking ignorantly about serious matters. Many people in the communities rely on these media workers for information and they(communities) genuinely believe that anything they hear on radio is true or correct.

If you work on radio or TV station, you have an influence on people’s education, knowledge and their life in General. Make sure you do not mislead them with your ignorance. If there is something about law or anything you do not know, please don’t pretend you know, look for someone who knows and learn,” she said in a statement on social media.

She added that while one can say anything in private, it is unacceptable to record and share ignorance with public .

“Don’t share an opinion on something you have no knowledge or education on. I mean, I thought this was basic. We can all not be good at everything. And oh, you have the right to say everything but don’t record your ignorance and st*pidity and share with others. Be kind to yourself and your descendants,” she concluded.

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