By: Ewurabena Paha
Ghana Journalists Association, Ghana Independent Broadcasters Association, Media Foundation for West Africa and Private Newspapers and Printers Association of Ghana have called on President Akufo-Addo to repeal pieces of legislation that stifle media freedom.
They reminded the President of his belief and commitment to media freedom. Addressing a joint news conference in Accra, the groups said they are deeply troubled by the use of these pieces of legislation to punish journalists who are deemed to have fallen foul of these laws.
The News Conference follows arrests of journalists in recent times including Noah Dameh of Radio Ada who was detained for a week for publishing what was said to be false news about business man, Daniel McKorley.
President of GJA, Albert Dwumfuor said it is ironic that press freedom is constantly under attack under the watch of a President who championed the repeal of the Criminal Libel Law.
According to Mr Dwumfour, the case of Noah Dameh of Radio Ada and others that have happened in the last two years are cause for concern. He gave an account of the Radio Ada incident involving Noah Dameh.
He said such attacks on journalists affects the country on the global ranking of free media, urging President Akufo-Addo to ensure that his beliefs and commitment to press freedom are carried out with utmost urgency.
Executive Director of Media Foundation for West Africa, Sulemana Braimah quoted the President as saying anything that stops journalists from working is an attack on democracy.
The four media bodies acknowledged the shortfalls of media work and the disregard some journalists have for the ethics of the profession and pledged to ensure that journalists are guided professionally in the discharge of their duties.
