I killed stories to save KKD – Journalist claims

A journalist who once worked for the Chronicle newspaper claims he had ‘killed stories’ about rape allegations in the past to ‘save’ Kwesi Kyei Darkwah (KKD).

Mr. William Nyarko, who worked for the Chronicle around 1995 and 1996 made the claim on a Facebook thread discussing the allegations of rape against the broadcaster.

When the news broke about allegations of rape against KKD, a blogger, known as Malaka wrote on her blog claiming that as a 12 year-old girl, KKD had asked permission from her mother to take her out in the night, but her mother refused. Malaka in her blog was suggesting that, but for her mother’s refusal, she probably would have fallen victim to KKD.

Mr. Nyarko posted the link to Malaka’s blog on the Facebook thread and he was asked how that was connected to the current allegations of rape, and Mr. Nyarko wrote, “obviously she’s older now and recollecting her encounter with KKD when she was 12. She also mentioned that she had heard similar stories within the agency. But those of us who know KKD know he’s had problems with flings with little girls. Killed stories at the Chronicle to save “brodaman” Etc but He doesn’t seem to have risen above such smallness.”

To ‘kill a story’ in journalistic parlance means not to go ahead and publish a story even after it has been investigated and copy has been produced. It is often done following pressure from interested parties or at the discretion of a news editor or editor, and usually it is done to satisfy or punish someone or an organization who often are connected to the story.

Seeking to explore further the reason behind the ‘killing’ of the stories of rape allegations against KKD, ghanabusinessnews.com wrote to Mr. Nyarko, who is currently based in the US to clarify the matter on the same day that he made the comments, that was Monday December 29, 2014, but he is yet to respond.

Ghanabusinessnews.com also contacted the current editor of the Chronicle Mr. Emmanuel Akli, who said he doesn’t know about the said incident.

KKD who appeared in court Tuesday December 30, 2014 charged for rape has been remanded in prison custody. He pleaded not guilty and would re-appear in court on January 8, 2015.

His counsel, Nana Asante Bediatuo, prayed the court to grant him bail but the application was refused. He said the facts did not support the charge since there was consent from the lady before the act.

He said the state was unable to narrate in a chronological manner what led to the sexual act.

“The state should come clear on whether the accused person used force,” he argued.

The judge after listening to the defence counsel and the prosecution said the consent of the sexual act would be determined at the trial stage.

Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Moses Atibilla told the court that a prima-facie case has been established against the accused person.

He said the remand would enable prosecution conduct further investigation into the case.

The prosecutor told the court that the complainant is a 19 year-old lady who is a student.

He said on December 27, at about 19:30 hours, there was an event called “RIP the RUNWAY Fashion show” that was organised at the African Regent Hotel in Accra, which the complainant attended with the cousin.

He said when the two arrived at the show, they met the accused person in front of the hotel and after pleasantries and attractions, they walked into the lobby where the accused person introduced them to his cousin.

The prosecution said the complainant and the cousin took few pictures with the accused person, his cousin and other men.

ACP Atibilla said the accused person who admired the height of the complainant, asked her and her cousin to accompany them to the hotel room to apply powder on his face before the show, since he would be on stage and before the TV cameras.

“The complainant and the accused took one of the lift to the third floor of the hotel and went into the hotel room together with her cousin and the accused’s cousin,” he added.

He said while there, the accused called the complainant to come and help him do the make-up in the washroom, which she obliged and entered the washroom with him leaving the two in the living room.

He said the accused forcibly had sex with the complainant in the washroom and a report was made to the police and a medical form was issued to the complainant to attend hospital.

When the accused was arrested, he denied the offence and stated that, the complainant gave her consent and that he did not force her, he said.

By Emmanuel K. Dogbevi