By: Roberta Gayode Modin
A member of the New Patriotic Party’s communication team, Ellen Ama Daaku, has cautioned the media against the publication of unverified news stories because it has devastating implications.
She made this statement on the back of the media’s reportage on former Newcastle United winger Christian Atsu’s disappearance in the rubble of the earthquake that devastated Turkey.
“Our bloggers and our Journalists, please be sure of the news you put out there because, as of 2-3 days ago, you gave all of us hope. Those of us who were going to put on our white, those of us who have started singing praises, and then they come back and say mistaken identity,” she said.
She also advised netizens to desist from passing insensitive comments on Atsu’s disappearance, adding that it is a difficult moment for his family.
“I’ve seen some people also on social media insulting those who are praying for Atsu. Please if you don’t believe in God, it’s your cup of tea, the rest of us believe in God, so we’ll be praying,” she added.
On February 5, 2023, Christian Atsu headlined all news portals with reports that he was stuck in the rubble of a building after the Turkey earthquake.
Many Ghanaians poured in their prayers for the Hatayspor player.
The nation breathed a sigh of relief when news came from reputable news portals that he had been rescued from the rubble of the building with injuries and rushed to the hospital for treatment, according to the vice-president of the team, Mustafa özat.
Their relief was short-lived when another report from Christian Atsu’s agent said that the footballer’s whereabouts were unknown.
Verified news is yet to confirm the whereabouts of the player.
