The National Media Commission has ordered Justice Kweku Annan, a presenter with Accra-based Hot FM to desist from attacking undercover investigative journalist, Anas Aremeyaw Anas.
The commission in its report following a complaint lodged by Anas Aremeyaw Anas also cautioned the broadcaster to ensure that his programmes meet the required standards.
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The order follows a complaint filed by Tiger Eye Private Investigations against the Mr Kweku Annan and Hot FM, the radio station he works with as host ‘Ghana Must Know’ programme.
The Complaints Settlement Committee of the Commission which investigated the claims determined that Mr Annan abused his professional privileges as a journalist.
“The Committee determined further in taking money with the purpose of tarnishing Anas’ reputation, Mr Annan abused his professional privileges as a journalist, and noted that his activities and behaviour fall short of the ethical standards,” the NMC stated.
The complainant stated that the activities of Mr Annan on his programme “Ghana Must Know” aired on Hot FM falls short of acceptable journalism practice and standards.
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According to Tiger Eye PI comments, Mr Annan consistently made false and derogatory comments on the programme over the period immediately following the airing of a documentary Tiger Eye PI had produced on corruption in Ghana football.
Tiger Eye PI, through its own undercover investigation into Mr Annan’s continuous attack on the team, Anas Aremeyaw Anas and Kweku Baako, revealed Mr Annan was involved in a project purposely to unmask Anas Aremeyaw Anas and to destroy his credibility and that of Kweku Baako.
Mr Annan is said to have requested an amount of GH?35, 000 as an initial deposit to conduct his undercover investigation into Anas’ activities. Unknown to him, the men who paid him a sum of GH?5,000 were with Tiger Eye PI.
Mr Annan through his lawyers had insisted that Mr Anas be made to remove his mask, a request the committee overruled.
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“The Committee was of the view that other established organisations such as the Courts had previously granted Anas the dispensation to appear before them wearing a mask. Importantly also the Committee pointed out that since its proceedings did not necessarily require that complainants or respondents appear before it in person (they could choose to be represented by lawyers), it was immaterial whether or not Anas, or indeed Justice Annan were identified during the hearings.
“There was thus no need to identify the person behind the mask purporting to be Anas before the merits of the case could be heard and decided.”
Tiger Eye PI was represented at the sittings of the Complaints and Settlement Committee of the National Media Commission by its counsel, Sean Kojo Poku.
