Kofi Adomah, a prominent Ghanaian broadcaster, recently recounted a distressing experience involving an eye injury sustained while covering the Kwafie Festival in Dormaa Ahenkro, Ghana. The incident occurred during the celebrations marking the 25th anniversary of the enstoolment of the Dormaahene, Osagyefo Nana Agyeman Badu II. Adomah, who was invited to cover the festivities, found himself unexpectedly caught in a situation that resulted in pellets from a discharged gun entering his eyes, ultimately causing him to lose vision in one. Following the incident, Adomah was transported to Dormaa Hospital for initial treatment before being flown to Accra for further medical attention. His injuries necessitated specialized care, and he was subsequently transferred abroad to continue his treatment.
A key aspect of Adomah’s account centers around the lack of communication from the Dormaahene following the incident. Adomah expressed surprise and disappointment that the Dormaahene had not reached out to him to inquire about his well-being after the injury. He emphasized that his concern wasn’t about financial compensation but rather the absence of a simple gesture of concern or acknowledgment from the traditional leader. Adomah’s presence at the festival was in a professional capacity, documenting a significant event for the Dormaahene and the community. The unexpected injury, coupled with the perceived lack of concern from the Dormaahene, has left Adomah questioning the nature of the relationship between himself, the traditional leadership, and the community he was serving through his journalistic work.
Adomah’s public expression of his experience brought to light several key points regarding traditional leadership, community relationships, and the role of the media. His disappointment stems not from the injury itself, which could be considered an unfortunate accident, but from the perceived lack of empathy and recognition from the Dormaahene. This raises questions about the expected responsibilities of traditional leaders towards members of their community, particularly those contributing to the documentation and celebration of important cultural events. Adomah’s case also touches upon the potential vulnerabilities of journalists covering events, especially in environments where unforeseen circumstances can lead to injury.
The incident underscores the importance of safety protocols and risk assessment for journalists covering potentially hazardous events. While the specific circumstances surrounding the discharge of the gun remain unclear, Adomah’s injury highlights the need for organizers of public events, especially those involving celebratory gunfire or similar activities, to implement stringent safety measures to protect both participants and observers. The incident also raises broader questions about gun safety regulations and practices in Ghana, particularly within the context of traditional festivals and ceremonies.
The lack of response from the Dormaahene also prompts reflection on the evolving relationship between traditional authorities and the media. In an increasingly interconnected world, traditional leaders are often placed under public scrutiny, and their actions, or inactions, can have far-reaching consequences. The media plays a crucial role in disseminating information and shaping public perception, making it essential for traditional leaders to cultivate positive relationships with media professionals. Adomah’s experience highlights the potential for misunderstanding and miscommunication between these two entities and the importance of open dialogue and mutual respect.
In conclusion, Kofi Adomah’s eye injury at the Kwafie Festival and the subsequent silence from the Dormaahene have sparked broader conversations about the role and responsibilities of traditional leaders, the safety and well-being of journalists, and the complex relationship between the media and those in positions of authority. Adomah’s experience serves as a reminder of the importance of empathy, communication, and accountability in all aspects of community life, particularly in the context of cultural celebrations and public events. The incident also underscores the need for robust safety protocols at such gatherings and a reassessment of practices that could pose risks to participants and observers. Finally, it highlights the essential role of the media in holding those in power accountable and fostering transparent communication between leaders and the communities they serve.
