The seeming impasse between the Manhyia palace, the seat of Asantehene, Otumfou Osei Tutu II, and some media practitioners in Kumasi has been resolved amicably
The impasse was resolved during a historic meeting between the Ashanti Regional branch of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) and some top chiefs in Kumasi, at the Regional House of Chiefs on Friday.
The main issue which was thrashed out during the marathon meeting was concern by some journalists to the effect that they were usually restricted in performing their duties at the Manhyia Palace.
Listowell yesu Bukerson, the Ashanti Regional GJA Chairman, who was present at the meeting, said he had received several complaints from some journalists in the city about the difficulties they went through when reporting on events at the palace.
He said the Manhyia Palace and for that matter, the Asantehene, is big news for the media to cover, so as the GJA boss in the area, he forwarded their grievances to the palace for them to be resolved, culminating in the meeting.
Baffuor Osei Hyiaman Brentuo Vi, the Manwerehene, who has media background, stressed that the Manhyia Palace needs the media just as the media also need news from there.
He therefore called for peaceful co-existence and healthy working relationship between the two bodies, which he noted, would go a long way to boost Asanteman and for that matter, Ghana’s development.
The Manwerehene however, warned the media to shun sensationalism and always cross-check their facts when they are reporting about a sacred traditional place like the Manhyia Palace and the Asantehene.
He observed with pain that there had been some instances where the media published false reports about the Asantehene, noting that such unethical behaviour should be avoided by journalists.
the Manwerehene said plans were in the pipeline to constitute the Manhyia Palace press corps who would be exposed to most of Asante traditions so that they would always come out with concise and credible reports.
Nana Kwadwo Nyantakyi ii, Otumfuo’s Sanaahene; Baffuor Asare yekogyawoasu, Nsumankwahene and Nana Gyimah Danso ii, Otumfuo’s Linguist, were all present at the meeting.
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