Audio By Carbonatix
Ghana has joined other commonwealth nations to pledge their commitment to the protection of Journalists at the just ended Global Conference for Media Freedom in London.
The two-day conference was also used to discuss ways to ensure responsible media and support for safety and protection of Journalists.
Ghana’s delegation to the Conference was led by Information Minister Kojo Oppong Nkrumah.
Mr. Nkrumah in an address to participants said Ghana had and continues to build a robust mechanism for free and responsible media practice through constitutional and legal frameworks.
“Ghana has repealed the Criminal Libel Law, enacted a whistleblowers law and recently passed Right to Information [Law]. These developments have introduced a refreshing pluralism onto Ghana’s mass media landscape.
“It has also opened up access to new and diverse voices that have promoted democracy and participation in governance and development; and above all enhanced press freedom,” he said.
The Information Minister said Ghana’s performance on the World Press Freedom Index with the last few years has been commendable despite the recently reported cases of attacks on media freedom.
“In recent years Ghana has also experienced its share of the global attacks on free media despite our good track record. The worst being the cold-blooded murder of Ahmed Suale believed to be connected with his work as an associate of the media organisation Tiger Eye PI.
“Regrettably, our investigative agencies have not made much headway in arresting and punishing perpetrators of such acts. It appears we took our media excellence and public tolerance for granted but now we have to face up to the changing realities and do more,” he added.
The Minister who is also the MP for Ofoase Ayirebi disclosed that Ghana was taking measures to fight abuse and attacks on Journalists through the implementation of a Coordinating Mechanism on the Safety of Journalists which will help equip various stakeholders, prevent abuse and independently validate future claims of attacks.
He also revealed that Ghana was rolling out a media capacity program in support of quality journalism but will not shy away from legislating against misinformation and disinformation which constitute challenges that threaten confidence in the media.
The Minister challenged the media and Journalists to go beyond investigating and exposing nefarious acts and use their platforms to also highlight positive advancements of societies.
The maiden Global Conference for Media Freedom was jointly organised by the UK and Canadian governments.
DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
Latest Stories
-
“No Nation is Inferior”: Mahama champions human dignity and security council reform at the UN
3 minutes -
Manhyia South residents, NPP executives fume over botched EOCO arrest of MP
13 minutes -
Mahama unveils new deal with global philanthropy
20 minutes -
Daily Insight for CEOs: Building customer-centric leadership
28 minutes -
Democracy must deliver food, jobs and healthcare, not just elections – Mahama
28 minutes -
Capacity constraints must never be a barrier to restitution – Mahama
29 minutes -
COMAC pushes for suspension of sections of Customs Act 2026
31 minutes -
Mahama calls for Great African Museum to anchor continent’s heritage revival
34 minutes -
Mahama cites return of Mpomponsuo sword as model for restitution
34 minutes -
Mahama: Africa must inherit more than the story of what it lost
37 minutes -
Mahama pushes for permanent UN system for restitution of African artefacts
39 minutes -
Ghana is arguably Africa’s most stable democracy, says Mahama
39 minutes -
Mahama calls for investment in Africa’s cultural infrastructure
40 minutes -
‘Africa’s cultural heritage story must continue with its return’ – Mahama insists
44 minutes -
Some reporters denied White House access despite judge overturning Trump media ban
44 minutes