The Information Minister, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, has urged the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) to increase pressure on the Ghana Police Service and the Judiciary to effectively address cases of attacks on journalists in the country.
Speaking on JoyNews' PM Express, Mr Nkrumah emphasised the critical role these institutions play in resolving matters concerning the safety and well-being of journalists.
His comment comes after the latest cases of assault on two journalists that have forced the GJA to issue media blackout on two politicians believed to have facilitated the attack.
Highlighting the limitations of the National Media Commission (NMC) in resolving such issues independently, the Information Minister asserted that the Ghana Police Service and the Judiciary hold the key to resolving cases involving attacks on journalists.
He, therefore, called on the GJA to consistently hold the said institutions accountable to ensure that reported cases are thoroughly investigated and pursued through the legal system.
"We have to hold the police and the judiciary services consistently accountable for the cases that are reported to them and see how they follow through," he said on Monday.
The Information Minister acknowledged the role of the Ministry in adopting a minimalist standard by drawing the attention of the police to reported incidents when brought to their notice.
However, he emphasised the importance of sustained pressure to prevent any lapses in addressing cases of attacks on journalists.
"We have to consistently hold them accountable so that they can’t come around and tell us that we didn’t hear about this and that there was no evidence of it.
"I believe that if we consistently hold them accountable, we will get to that point where no police command or office can play hanky-panky with these issues when they are reported," he noted.
His call for accountability comes amid concerns about the safety of journalists and the need for a robust response to ensure press freedom and protect media practitioners who cover national issues in the public interest.
Latest Stories
-
Director urges parents to protect children from abuse
2 mins -
Imani-Ghana criticises Akufo-Addo for not lauding Fourth Estate’s contribution to social development
9 mins -
Man remanded for allegedly stabbing businessman with broken bottle and screwdriver
35 mins -
Population in Kumasi Central Prison surges to 1800, threefold exceeding capacity
44 mins -
NPP to conduct La Dadekotopon parliamentary primary today
44 mins -
KPMG’s report on GRA and SML deal, government white paper on report and matters arising
45 mins -
I won’t reply to Chris Brown tour criticism – Ayra Star
47 mins -
British Columbia to back off drug decriminalisation project
55 mins -
Veteran commentator Joe Lartey Sr dies at 96
56 mins -
Livestream: Newsfile discusses KPMG report on SML deal, ILO on SSNIT reserves and NDC’s running mate
1 hour -
Ghanaian activist hugs over 1,100 trees in an hour to set Guinness World Records
2 hours -
Mathew Anim Cudjoe’s Dundee United promoted to Scottish Premiership after Championship win
2 hours -
NSMQ star Jochebed Adwoa Sutherland sweeps 12 awards at UG Vice-Chancellor’s Ceremony
2 hours -
Ghana’s Education Quality ranked 125 out of 183 countries in latest Global Youth Development Index
3 hours -
Emma Stone wants people to use her real first name
3 hours