NO PUNISHMENT FOR "SOLI" IN GJA CODE OF ETHICS - AFFAIL MONNEY

The Vice president of the Ghana Journalist Association, Affail Monney says, there is no specific rule in the GJA code of ethics that says that journalists who take “soli” should be punished.

Speaking on ETV’s morning show Awake, Monney stated categorically that our culture does not frown on 'soli'.

“Soli” which has its root word from solidarity is meant to solidarise with journalists who attend functions. But lately most journalists have misconstrued the use of the word.

While some fight over the monies involved, others resort to other resources as 'soli' to influence their stories. 

According the Monney, 'Soli' is given mostly to aid the transportation of the reporter back to his office early, so as to be able to compile his stories. He added that though article 8 of the GJA code of ethics does not allow for journalists to take soli, it was dependent on the reporter to respect the code of ethics as a line of morality. 

The Vice President of the Association also reacted to ETV’s footage of Journalists at the Press Center fighting over samples of bags of rice used as which they thought it was their 'soli' at the Press Centre on a Local Rice Production Press conference.

He disclosed that, poor conditions of service, including Low remuneration on the part of employers, cheap labour and the influx of 'mushroom journalists' are the cause of most journalists fighting over “soli”.

Affail Monney also admitted that though the GJA is not responsible for enforcing that employers pay their employees their substantial monies due them, it is liaising with the Trade Unions Congress, as it under takes a study on the conditions of service for journalists.

Story By: Esther Eyra Doe