Ernest Pascal Gemadzie has called for organised educational visits to courts and prisons for students, arguing that such exposure could play a significant role in discouraging criminal behaviour among young people.
According to the Upper East Regional Supervising High Court Judge, introducing students, especially those at the junior high school level, to courtroom proceedings and correctional facilities would help them better understand the consequences of crime and encourage respect for the law.
Speaking during a court and crime reporting training organised by the Upper East Regional branch of the Ghana Journalists Association in Bolgatanga, Justice Gemadzie described the courtroom as a powerful place for learning real-life lessons.
“The courtroom can be described as one of the best universities of life. When you attend court sittings and listen to proceedings, you hear real-life experiences that can shape behaviour,” he said.
The training programme formed part of activities marking this year’s World Press Freedom Day under the theme “Shaping a Future at Peace.” The initiative sought to equip journalists with ethical, legal, and professional knowledge in court and crime reporting.
Justice Gemadzie noted that many young people have little understanding of the realities of the justice system, including the emotional, legal, and social consequences individuals face after engaging in criminal activity.
He explained that structured visits to courts and prisons could serve as an effective form of civic education by teaching discipline, responsibility, and respect for the rule of law.
“If young people visit prisons and see what happens there, they will grow up wanting to stay away from crime,” he added.
The judge also stressed the important role of the media in promoting public understanding of the justice system through fair and accurate reporting of court proceedings.
According to him, journalists serve as the eyes and ears of the public in courtrooms and must report responsibly to strengthen public confidence in the legal system.
He further stated that balanced and factual reporting of criminal cases could help deter crime by exposing the consequences of unlawful conduct.
Also speaking at the event, Jaladeen Abdulai, the Upper East Regional Director of the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice, cautioned journalists against irresponsible reporting, warning that inaccurate or sensational coverage could damage lives and weaken trust in public institutions.
“Irresponsible reporting destroys lives and erodes institutional trust. The media’s power to shape perceptions of justice carries profound ethical responsibility,” he said.
Mr Abdulai urged journalists to prioritise accuracy, fairness, and respect for due process when covering court matters, noting that misleading reports could prejudice cases and discourage witnesses and victims from cooperating with law enforcement agencies.
Meanwhile, the Upper East Regional Chairman of the GJA, Albert Sore, encouraged journalists to familiarise themselves with court processes to improve the quality and accuracy of their reporting.
He also urged media practitioners to regularly attend court sittings, describing the courts as an important source of stories that serve the public interest.
