Graphic apologises to Doris Sobre
The attention of the Daily Graphic has been drawn to a publication in its Wednesday, May 19, 2010 edition which publication is said to have damaged the reputation of Ms Doris Sobre, a former administrator of the Presbyterian Church at Community 4, Tema.
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We have been informed that as a result of the publication and subsequent ones on May 20, May 21 and July 13, 2010, attempts by Ms Sobre to assume the position of presbyter of the church have proved futile, while her employment with the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA) has been terminated.
The intention of this paper was not to tarnish the image of anyone, including Ms Sobre, whose name appeared in the said publication.
We, therefore, apologise unreservedly for any embarrassment and damage caused to the reputation of Ms Sobre, who was the subject of the story, as well as any losses suffered, and we accordingly retract the said story.
Publication
The story, which was headlined, “Sex scandal rocks church; but pastor says charges are mere fabrications”, which was carried on the front page of the Daily Graphic, stated that an alleged sexual misconduct involving Ms Sobre, then an administrator of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana, and some leading members of the church “is said to have scandalised the congregation at Tema Community 4”.
The publication also stated: “At the centre of the allegation is the District Administrator, Ms Doris Sobre, and the District Pastor of the Trinity Congregation, Rev. Kissiedu-Ayi, who described the allegations as ‘mere fabrications by a faction in the church bent on tarnishing my hard-won reputation’’.”
Findings of committee
The attention of the Daily Graphic has also been drawn to the findings and recommendations of a seven-member committee formed by the Presbyterian Church of Ghana to investigate the issues raised by the said publication on Ms Sobre.
According to the committee, “the allegation of a sex scandal between its Tema Community 4 District Minister, Rev. E. Kissiedu-Ayi, and the Administrator of the Trinity Congregation, Ms Doris Sobre, is unfounded and without any factual basis”.
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It also indicated that it did not find any credible incident to connect any presbyter of the church to any sexual relationship with Ms Sobre, while other administrative findings and recommendations were being referred to the Local Session of the church for review, in accordance with provisions in the church’s constitution.