Recent reports circulating on social media and some online platforms have alleged that the ten junior police officers who filed a lawsuit against the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) over purported unlawful and capricious transfers have abandoned their case. This assertion is not only inaccurate but also raises significant concerns about the integrity of the reportage surrounding this matter. It is imperative to clarify the facts to ensure that the public is accurately informed.

The allegations suggest that the officers, who initially brought a case to court challenging their transfer orders, decided to abandon the legal process. This narrative, however, is not supported by the sequence of events or legal proceedings. To set the record straight, the parties involved in the lawsuit made a strategic decision to withdraw their initial suit, amend it with better particulars, and re-file it in court. At no point did they abandon the case. Such legal maneuvres are standard practice in judicial processes, particularly when the plaintiffs seek to strengthen their arguments or provide additional details to bolster their claims.

The question arises: on what basis did the author of these social media articles conclude that the case had been abandoned? Was this conclusion drawn from an informed analysis of court proceedings, or was it a deliberate attempt to mislead the public? The ethics of journalism demand that all parties involved in a matter be given an opportunity to present their perspectives to ensure balanced and fair reporting. Unfortunately, this principle seems to have been ignored in the coverage of this issue.

The narrative propagated by these reports appears to be one-sided and skewed to paint a picture that favours the IGP and the Police Administration. This bias not only undermines the credibility of the reports but also distorts public perception of the ongoing legal battle. Such misinformation and disinformation are detrimental to the principles of justice and transparency that the media is expected to uphold.

To further debunk the falsehoods being spread, it is essential to highlight certain facts:
i. Since the case was filed, withdrawn, and re-filed, the IGP and the Police Administration have not filed any response in court. This raises questions about the defendants' preparedness to address the allegations leveled against them.
ii. The only appearance by the lawyers representing the IGP and the Police Administration was on the first adjourned date, December 16, 2024. This attendance was limited to seeking an adjournment of the case to February 2025. If the case had indeed been abandoned, why would the defendants’ legal team request an adjournment?
iii. The withdrawal and amendment of the initial suit were strategic decisions aimed at presenting a stronger case. Such actions are not indicative of abandonment but rather demonstrate a commitment to pursuing justice through proper legal channels.

Journalists and media outlets bear a significant responsibility to ensure that their reporting is accurate, unbiased, and fair. Before publishing any story, particularly one involving legal disputes, it is crucial to engage with all parties involved to provide a balanced account. In this case, the failure to include the perspectives of the junior officers and their legal representatives has resulted in a one-sided narrative that misrepresents the facts.

Moreover, the dissemination of false information not only undermines the credibility of the media but also erodes public trust in the judicial process. It is essential for journalists to adhere to ethical standards and avoid sensationalism, especially when reporting on sensitive issues that have far-reaching implications for individuals and institutions.

As we step into the year 2025, it is imperative to address the issue of misinformation and hold those responsible for spreading falsehoods accountable. The deliberate distortion of facts to influence public opinion or discredit individuals or institutions is a disservice to society and a violation of ethical principles.

The parties involved in this case have demonstrated their commitment to seeking justice through legitimate means. They should not be subjected to unwarranted attacks or misrepresentation in the media. Instead, their efforts to challenge perceived injustices should be acknowledged and respected.
The allegations that the ten junior police officers abandoned their case against the IGP are baseless and misleading. The misrepresentation of these actions as abandonment reflects either a lack of understanding of legal processes or a deliberate attempt to disinform the public.

As Ghanaians, we must remain vigilant against propaganda and misinformation. The media has a crucial role to play in promoting transparency, accountability, and justice. Let us resolve to uphold these values in 2025 and beyond.

To all Ghanaians, Happy New Year! May this year be marked by truth, fairness, and progress for all.