Owass FM Urges Respect for Privacy After On-Air Death of Former Legislator Seth Kwame Dzokoto

Owass 107.3 MHz has made a formal appeal for privacy and restraint following the death of Seth Kwame Dzokoto, a former legislator who passed away during a live interview on the station's morning show hosted by Prince Gyimah. The incident has drawn significant public and social media attention, prompting the station to issue a measured statement calling for respect for the bereaved family.

In a press release issued on Thursday, October 22, 2026, the station expressed deep sadness over the tragic loss and extended heartfelt condolences to Dzokoto's family, friends and loved ones. While acknowledging the professionalism displayed by Prince Gyimah, the camera crew and the broader team during an extraordinarily difficult moment, Owass FM emphasised that the focus should remain on honouring the memory and life of the late former legislator rather than celebrating individual responses to the crisis.

The Station's Call for Restraint

Owass FM has specifically urged the public, media practitioners and social media users to avoid speculation, refrain from sharing unverified information and resist making comments that could deepen the pain experienced by the bereaved family. Such appeals are common following high-profile deaths, as unfiltered online discourse and rumour-mongering can compound grief and spread misinformation about the circumstances.

The station further requested that Dzokoto's family be granted the necessary time, privacy and space to mourn without intrusion. It indicated that an official statement would be issued in due course, suggesting that more formal details may be forthcoming from the family or relevant authorities once the immediate shock has subsided.

Why it Matters for Ghana

The incident raises important questions about media responsibility, editorial protocols and pastoral care during live broadcasting. For Ghana's media industry, particularly radio stations that reach millions of listeners daily, the event serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictability of live programming and the need for robust contingency procedures. The death of a public figure—especially a former member of parliament—on live air is exceptionally rare and has understandably resonated across the nation.

Beyond the immediate tragedy, the situation highlights the tension between public interest and privacy in the digital age. While citizens and media outlets may feel compelled to report, analyse and discuss such events, the station's appeal reflects a growing recognition that not every moment requires instant commentary or viral circulation. The former legislator's family deserve compassion and space to process their loss away from relentless public scrutiny.

For the broadcasting industry in Ghana, this incident may prompt renewed discussions about duty of care, staff psychological support, interview screening procedures and protocols for handling medical emergencies during live transmission. Radio stations and television broadcasters will likely review their own emergency procedures to ensure similar situations are managed with appropriate sensitivity and professionalism.

Owass FM's statement strikes a measured tone, balancing acknowledgement of its team's conduct with a broader call for national dignity and restraint—a model of responsible institutional response that other media houses and the public would do well to emulate during times of collective grief.