Veteran journalist Kwesi Pratt has cautioned against making prejudicial statements on cases that are likely to end up in court, emphasizing the fundamental principles of fair trial and justice.
Speaking on Metro TV’s Good Morning Ghana, Pratt underscored the importance of upholding journalistic ethics, noting that media practitioners are expected to refrain from comments that could influence court proceedings.
“We were taught in our early days in journalism that when you know a matter is likely to go to court, you cannot make prejudicial statements. It would amount to straightforward contempt,” he stated.
Pratt also stressed the rights of accused persons, asserting that no one should be presumed guilty until proven so by a competent court. He noted that an accused individual is under no obligation to assist investigators in proving their case.
“Accused persons have no obligation to assist the prosecution or the investigators to prove their guilt. That is why accused persons can remain silent even in court,” he emphasized.
Touching on reports that a legal counsel had been denied access to their client, Pratt urged that such concerns be addressed in court, maintaining that the judiciary remains the appropriate forum for resolving such disputes.
