The National Media Commission (NMC) has expressed its determination not to allow anyone to interfere with the freedom and independence of the state-owned media.

It has accordingly urged people who wish to indulge in acts that will compromise these attributes to refrain from such acts, since the commission will not allow them to succeed.

The NMC was reacting to comments allegedly by the Minister of Public Sector, Dr Paa Kwesi Nduom; on the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC) board and management which the commission believed were intended to undermine its independence.

In a statement signed by its Chairman, Paul Adu-Gyamfi, the NMC said in a speculative hypothesis, the minister proclaimed, while closing seminar in Accra, that the government could close down GBC and that when the government takes that action, it would not need to go to the NMC".

The statement said as a public office holder, it was strange that Dr Nduom sought to undermine the Constitution which gave legitimacy to his presence in Parliament and in government.

It said for the avoidance of doubt, the NMC was fully committed to a legitimate and transparent process which would improve the conditions of service of GBC staff and make the corporation more efficient.

"The commission, however, insists that whatever reforms are carried out at GBC should be legal, transparent and must be carried out by lawful authority. Reforms must also benefit the corporation, the staff and the nation," it indicated.

In line with that, it stated that it had persistently requested Dr Nduom to provide the NMC with information on whatever his intentions were about GBC, as well as the basis for the intention.

The statement said the minister had unfortunately refused to provide the requested information, adding, "It, therefore, comes as a surprise to the commission when the minister creates the impression that he is frustrated by the Constitution and the law."

It said it was the view of the NMC that laws were made for the smooth functioning of society and, therefore, anybody who felt frustrated by the existence of laws needed to re¬examine his own conduct.

Source: Daily Graphic