Nobody Has Won Entrapment Protest Against Me; Anas On His Approach
Investigative Journalist, Anas Aremeyaw Anas has defended his method of investigating corruption in Ghana and beyond, stating that nobody has ever raised concerns about it and won.
His “entrapment” approach has been criticized by a section of the public but Anas holds that that is the only way corruption can be fought.
He notes that having his approach referred to as “terrorism” by a law court judge and a “corruption entrepreneur” by a senior citizen is evidence of the country’s beautiful democracy.
In an interview with DW, Anas questioned, “How do they expect corruption to be fought in an atmosphere where people are pilfering the kitchen? People are stealing left, right centre. They expect us to announce that ‘I’m coming with my camera so get ready?’ It’s not going to happen. How come journalism by Aljazeera, BBC and CNN- all undercover journalism- are applauded but when you do it in Ghana, they have a problem?”
“The first thing that everybody is saying is that I’ve been entrapped. Did I force you to take the money? You are selling your country for millions of dollars. You’ve stretched your hand, taken the money in your hand and put it in your pocket, you are smiling and clapping and you are telling me I have forced you to take it,” he added.
He posited that he has never lost in any case against his approach.
Challenges In Journalism
He has accepted the fact that journalism is not a bed of roses. It encompasses attacks and lawsuits, he said but believes these can be overcome by sticking to the truth and taking serious view of the 5Ws.
On physical harm, he said journalists must be wary of their security and never let their guard down.
Touching on his signature beads, he stated that no story is worth a life and therefore his decision to conceal his identity.
“For continuity and protection. That’s why I have these beads on. If this means that anonymity, there is no story worth our lives and if you are able to preserve yourself, you have the capacity to live and with all the experience to be able to tell the next story.”
