Commentary

Media and Tradition: Sensationalism must give way to intellectual and socio-political discourse

By: Dr. Nana Sifa Twum, Communications Consultant

The Kumasi Traditional Council about a week ago asked a Kumasi-based Radio Station, Oyerepa FM, to temporarily suspend its operations until further notice. Management of the FM station were also asked to apologize to the Manhyia Palace for allowing the founder of the United Progressive Party (UPP), Akwasi Addai Odike, to use its medium to defame Chiefs in Asanteman and the Asantehene.

Mr. Odike, who was a guest on station last week, was reported to have raised issues that dented the image of the traditional leaders. He is alleged to have questioned why the traditional authorities have not helped in the fight against illegal mining in Kumasi and its environs, which according to him, was having a devastating effect on forest, land, and water reserves in the area.

Manhyia consequently performed rituals to banish Mr. Odike, claiming he sought to wage a rebellion against the hierarchy of the traditional council and the entire Ashanteman. At a meeting presided over by the Bantamahene, Baffour Asare Owusu Amankwatia, the Kumasi Traditional Council, among the conditions for the resolution of the issue, was for the media house to temporarily suspend operations and properly appear before the Council with a befitting apology.

The suspension coupled with an announcement of why the media house was suspending operations, was for the management of the station to feel remorseful, while the traditional council considered whether to accept the apology. The station has however resumed operations, following a crunch meeting between Nananom and management of the media house and the Ghana Journalists Association, GJA.

In democracies, the media are fundamental to political, cultural, and social life, among others. It provides facts to inform society better, about the issues that matter. It also provides criticism and debate to ensure that information is tested and examined from all points of view. The Media also helps in unpacking the increasing entanglement of discourse in the society; it explores the relationship between meaning and power in an age of participatory culture and social-economic development. This era brings forth dramatic changes in relations between long-standing sources of social and cultural power and meaning. The ongoing processes of globalisation, especially in culture and tradition in particular, have re-organised and re-oriented relationships between people and nations, as well as in the traditional setup.

The forces of change in the media landscape across the globe and in Ghana, for that matter, have served media and society to engage in expressions within the larger context of accommodation and re-orientation. Mr. Odike might have said the truth and the wishes of the people. Notwithstanding, the approach and respect for the traditional hierarchy were to be core in Mr. Odike’s delivery. This is against the backdrop of the Asantehene’s openly tireless and relented efforts in the fight against the canker of illegal mining in the country. The Asantehene is on record to have made several public pronouncements, expressing his displeasure about the matter.

Speaking at the first conference on illegal mining in the country in Kumasi on Wednesday, May 12th, last year, for instance, the Otumfuor insisted that a score of the people present at the event knew those who are neck-deep in illegal mining, which is the more reason government together with the chiefs need to take the fight seriously. According to the Manyhia chiefs, Mr. Odike was absolutely disrespectful and his action was a recipe for opening the floodgates for such in the area. Respect for authority indicates a good, healthy and cohesive society.

Individuals that have a pathological disrespect for administration are known as anti-social. Mr. Odike is one of their own. Not just a mere citizen, but the third-ranking on the political hierarchy in the country. He placed third in the last Presidential election. The resumption of operations by the media house is very much welcome. Manhyia, should listen to the many clarion calls and report Oyerepa FM to the National Media Commission to handle the matter.

In a democracy, matters are dealt with or handled by the rule of law, mutual understanding and fairness. Mr. Odike’s alleged fault must not lead others to go contrary to the law.

To radio and television programme hosts, the urgent need to guide guests on the programme, either via phone or in person, is critical and must be dealt with the highest circumspection.

Sensationalism must give way to intellectual and socio-political discourse.

Rights between the media and Nananom would indeed affect development.

Let us play by the rules.