Stop Downplaying Credibility of Anas’ Expose – Kweku Baako tells Public

The Editor-in-Chief of the New Crusading Guide newspaper, Malik Kweku Baako Jnr has expressed displeasure over seemingly fictitious arguments been made by some sections of the public to downplay the credibility of Anas’ latest expose yet to be premiered.

Speaking on Joy FM’s news analysis programme last Saturday, the Editor revealed that some claims of illegality had been made against his protégée.

It is still clear in the memories of Ghanaians how the President of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), Kwesi Nyantakyi was captured in the latest investigative work by Anas titled “Number 12”.

He was fingered with defrauding by false pretence―using the names of President Nana Akufo-Addo and Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia to lure and extort money from some investors.

According to Mr Baako some critics have labelled Nyantayi’s arrest as a plot being arranged by the British with the aim to destroy Morocco’s chances of winning the bid to host the next world cup in Africa.

“I have received a text from somebody who says this whole thing is a conspiracy being orchestrated by the British and that it is meant to stop Morocco from winning the bid to stage the next world cup in Africa and that the British are doing this because they want to stage the thing and Ghana’s FA boss has become influential in FIFA and actually would have been able to persuade FIFA to bring the thing to Morocco.

“So, [they say] what we are doing is going to undermine the FA boss, leading to Africa losing the chance to stage the world cup,” the veteran journalist said.

 

 

 

Mr Baako has therefore thrown a challenge to Anas’s critics, to seek the appropriate channels for a redress if they cannot make dignified and intellectual criticisms.

“All those who think that there something illegal about what he [Anas] is doing, I think they know the appropriate forum to proceed to deal with it rather than engage in public debate,” Mr Baako blurted.

Subterfuge

Other critics have made claims that Anas’ method of investigations―laying a bait to catch offenders is unethical.

But Mr Baako quoting the National Media Commission’s print guidelines says Anas in his activities has not breached the laws.

“As a general rule, journalist must not use or publish materials obtained by subterfuge using clandestine devices such as hidden cameras and hidden tape recorders.

“Such activities may however be justified in special circumstances such as us detecting and inspecting crime sites or protecting public health and safety,” he noted.

Mr Baako however indicated that Anas’ project is only a trap for people who do not have integrity.

“Yes, if you have integrity it would be very hard if not impossible to be trapped,” he said.

By: Grace Ablewor Sogbey/ [email protected]