Judge cautions Asase Radio reporter over false reportage on ambulance trial

Mr Elvis Donkoh, a reporter from Accra-based radio station Asase Radio, found himself summoned before Financial and Economic Court 2 of the High Court due to allegations of misreporting.The complaint was lodged by lawyer Dr. Abdul Baasit Aziz Bamba, representing Ato Forson, regarding what was perceived as malicious misreporting by Asase Radio.

The dispute stemmed from Asase Radio’s earlier report stating that judgment would be delivered in the trial involving Ato Forson, the Minority Leader and two others regarding an ambulance case by July 31st.The report, which claimed that the Accra High Court would render judgment in the trial of Minority Leader Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson and his co-defendants for allegedly causing a financial loss of 2.37 million Euros to the state, was contested by Ato Forson’s legal team as a misrepresentation of the court proceedings.
In response to the complaint, Justice Afia Serwah Asare-Botwe, the presiding judge, summoned Elvis Donkoh of Asase Radio to explain the source of his reporting.

Mr Donkoh, visibly nervous and remorseful, struggled to provide a satisfactory explanation for the report’s origin.
He was then asked to read the reported content in front of the court.
Expressing her frustration over journalists misreporting and misquoting her in the same case, Justice Asare-Botwe recalled advising journalists at the University of Media, Arts, and Communication (UNIMAC) to be meticulous in their reporting, especially in court proceedings.After thorough questioning, Elvis Donkoh was cautioned by the judge.

Acknowledging his youthful exuberance and lack of experience, Justice Asare-Botwe opted for a cautionary approach.
Mr Elvis Donkoh offered an apology to the court and the accused and pledged to retract the story following the judge’s caution.
In the background of the incident, Ato Forson, Sylvester Anemana, a former chief director at the Ministry of Health, and businessman Richard Jakpa stand trial for allegedly causing the state a financial loss of €2.37 million through a contract to procure 200 ambulances for the Ministry of Health.