Twenty four hours after the crash of a micro-lite aircraft in Ghana’s Port City of Tema, near a School, I just heard from a government spokesperson quoting an expert report saying that Ghana’s Aviation Sector is safe!
Welcome news!
While the National Civil Aviation Authority and the National Aircraft Accident and Incident Investigation Bureau continue with the investigation for a holistic report, it is essential to brief the public periodically to remove misinformation during disasters, especially regarding the microlight aircraft accident at Tema near a school. Also, it is crucial to deploy counselors to the community to help manage the psychology of the people, some of whom have been visibly traumatized because of the school children involved.
On the media, it is vital to ask strong human-angle questions in the wake of the microlight aircraft crash that focus on people, safety, and emotional impact.
Micro crash – aircraft site at Tema.On victims and families, the questions to ask are: Are all passengers accounted for, especially children? What is the current condition of the survivors? Have families of the victims been officially informed?
On immediate care and safety: What medical attention are survivors receiving right now? Were there any bystanders affected on the ground? How quickly did emergency responders arrive at the scene? Were there adequate safety measures in place before the flight?
On psychological and emotional support, journalists should be asking: What support systems are in place for affected families? Are there plans for long-term mental health care for victims and witnesses? How are children who witnessed or experienced the crash being supported emotionally?
On community impact: How has this incident affected the local community? Are community leaders or organizations offering support to victims? What kind of assistance is being mobilized for displaced or affected families?
On accountability with empathy you can ask:
Were there prior safety concerns raised about this aircraft or operator? How are authorities ensuring transparency while supporting victims?
The human element is a priority at this point while we all wait for the holistic report on what may have caused the crash. Let’s find out how those little ones, their families, and the teachers are doing.
That is the human story that matters!
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Rebecca Ekpe
Vice President, Ghana Journalists Association (GJA)
