A prominent citizen of Ghana, Mustapha Sanah has advised Ghanaians especially media practitioners to desist from terrorising the image and reputation of hardworking Ghanaians through inaccurate and distorted reportage.

Under the 1992 constitution, the media constitute an integral component of national development and any misconduct on their part could disrupt the democratic process.

In a press release issued in Accra this morning in apparent reference to a story in ??National Democrat?? ? an Accra-Based anti-government newspaper, Mr. Mustapha Sanah described as unfortunate attempts by the ??National Democrat?? to soil the image and incite public anger and resentment against Chief John Addo Kufour, son of the president, over his alleged shares in a hotel investment in Accra.

??Chief Kufour like any other Ghanaian has a right under the Fourth Republic constitution to acquire a property or invest in any company of his choice. And any attempt by a section in the media to misinform the Ghanaian public about his private business matters is most unwarranted.?? Said Mr. Mustapha Sanah

??In modern business spheres, it is no news when investors are backed by financial institutions in acquiring properties or taking over businesses??. He continued.

Accurate reportage is the bedrock of a true democracy.

The release said since free speech serves to uncover abuse of power, corruption, and dictatorship as well as promoting good ideas, it can also be used in inflicting havoc on innocent hardworking citizens. It is therefore fundamentally important in an infant dispensation like ours for media practitioners to delligently investigate the authenticity or otherwise of their story before going public. ??When media reportage is found to be untruthful or distorted, public confidence in the profession is injured.?? He Said.

Many well meaning Ghanaians with requisite expertise, experience and the knowledge to salvage the nation shy away from active politics for fear of what is termed in the political landscape as ?? media extremism??. ?? Therefore the media ought to be balanced, accurate and devoid of acrimony and image tarnishing?? He Said.

The release described Chief Kufour as affable, modest and a hardworking personality. ??Chief Kufour is very assertive and level-headed and his business acumen is well respected but remains open for anyone to view. He is capable of making inroads even internationally,? Said Mustapha Sanah

??He had taken no active interest in Ghana politics and any attempt to link him and his private business matters with government or presidential authority is most unfortunate and a clear miscalculation of the personality involved?? .He Said.

For the nation to develop and attract the right expertise and investment we must transcend beyond witch-hunting. The release said.

CC; All Media Houses Accra.