Wontumi TV has issued a sweeping apology to President John Mahama, his National Democratic Congress party, and the public after one of its presenters baselessly implicated the former president in last week’s fatal military helicopter crash.
The incident claimed eight lives and has plunged Ghana into mourning.
During an August 9 broadcast, presenter Akyenkwa Nana Kofi Asare alleged Mahama’s involvement in the tragedy—claims the station now calls “inappropriate, unfounded, and contrary to our values of professionalism and fairness.” Management emphasized the remarks “did not represent Wontumi TV’s views or policies” in a signed statement, expressing deep regret for the distress caused.
The Accra-based outlet confirmed disciplinary action against Asare and tightened editorial controls to enforce fact-based reporting. “All on-air staff must speak only to verified facts,” the statement read, reaffirming commitments to ethical journalism. The broadcaster separately extended condolences to bereaved families, urging national unity during the period of grief.
This swift damage control follows intense public backlash over the inflammatory segment. As Ghana processes the military tragedy, the incident raises tough questions: How can media balance scrutiny with responsibility when covering national crises? For now, Wontumi TV hopes its contrition turns the page.
