CHRAJ Boss Urges Media To Focus On Outcomes, Not Sensationalism, In Anti-Corruption Reporting

The Commissioner of the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), Dr Joseph Whittal, has urged journalists to focus on achieving measurable outcomes from corruption investigations rather than pursuing sensational headlines.

Speaking to 3Music TV on the sidelines of a public forum on restoring citizen trust in the fight against corruption organized by the media foundation for West Africa, Dr Whittal said investigative reporting plays a critical role in exposing wrongdoing, but its impact is strengthened when journalists continue to follow up on cases after publication.

According to him, sustained engagement by the media helps anti-corruption institutions ensure that allegations are properly investigated and that justice is served.

Dr Whittal also called on journalists and media organisations to remain objective when reporting on public officials suspected of corruption, stressing the importance of balancing accountability with fairness.

His comments come amid growing concerns about declining public confidence in Ghana’s anti-corruption efforts.

The CHRAJ Commissioner acknowledged that delays in prosecuting corruption-related cases have contributed to public frustration and weakened trust in accountability institutions.

He attributed some of the delays to insufficient evidence in cases submitted to CHRAJ, as well as inadequate resources needed to conduct further investigations before matters can proceed to prosecution.

Dr Whittal said these challenges often make it difficult for institutions to move cases forward as quickly as the public expects.

Speaking at the forum, investigative journalist Manasseh Azure Awuni also expressed concern that prolonged delays in prosecuting individuals implicated in corruption cases are undermining the work of investigative journalists and weakening public confidence in anti-corruption initiatives.

The forum also heard concerns about the broader impact of corruption on public trust.

Chairperson of the Crusaders Against Corruption, Bishop Dr Suzanne Nti, described the situation as a crisis of integrity that is threatening efforts to tackle corruption in the country.

She said the frequent exposure of citizens to reports and incidents of corrupt practices involving public officials is gradually eroding confidence in institutions tasked with fighting corruption.

According to Dr Nti, when citizens repeatedly witness alleged wrongdoing without visible consequences, corruption risks becoming normalised within society.

She called for deliberate efforts to strengthen institutions responsible for public education and sensitisation, arguing that citizens must be constantly reminded of the dangers corruption poses to the country’s moral values and development.

The public forum, organised by the Media Foundation for West Africa, brought together anti-corruption advocates, journalists and public officials to discuss ways of rebuilding citizen trust in Ghana’s accountability institutions.

Participants agreed that stronger institutions, timely prosecution of corruption cases and sustained public engagement are essential to restoring confidence in the fight against corruption.