By Godfred Amoaful
During the commemoration of the 2024 World Press Freedom Day at Koforidua, the Information Minister Designate Fatimatu Abubakar revealed that the draft broadcasting bill is ready and will be laid before Parliament soon.
Madam Abubakar said the Ministry has received the advise of the Attorney General on the draft and is hoping to engage the Committee on Communication to help lay the Bill.
She noted that the Bill is part of measures to ensure that the media in Ghana are protected and journalists operate in a conducive and safe environment.
However, Madam Abubakar encouraged journalists to make good use of the Right to Information Law to enable their operations.
The Information Minister designate stressed that government is on course to ensure that the Regional Office of the International Fund For Public Interest Media is properly set up and commissioned to provide funding for issues pertaining to media sustainability.
“I am aware that many are concerned about our continuous low performance when it comes to economic indicator which is used by Reporters Without Borders. It is in this light that the President and the former Minister of Information Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, lobbied for Ghana to host the office of the International Fund for Public Interest Media so that the Ghanaian media can leverage on it proximity to seek support.”
Madam Abubakar called for solidarity for journalists who risk their lives to bring out facts for society.
She also urged stakeholders to continue to strive for peace and media freedom to help protect Ghana’s democracy.
She assured that Ghana will continue to improve its current Press Freedom Index in the future.
