Audio By Carbonatix
Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, has given a firm assurance that Ghana’s legislature will not pass any law aimed at stifling the work of journalists while he remains at the helm of Parliament.
The assurance was delivered in a speech read on his behalf by the Member of Parliament for La Dade-Kotopon and Deputy Local Government Minister, Rita Naa Odoley Sowah, at the 3rd Annual Dinner Night of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) held in Accra on Monday, December 23.
Mr Bagbin acknowledged growing concerns within the media space that laws meant to regulate digital and electronic communications are increasingly being weaponised to harass and intimidate journalists, ultimately undermining press freedom.
He indicated that any existing legislation found to pose a threat to media freedom would be subjected to review.
His comments come amid mounting anxiety about the application of electronic communications laws to target media practitioners.
During the event, several journalists shared accounts of arrests, interrogations, and legal actions linked to online publications and social media commentary arising directly from their professional work.
The Ghana Journalists Association reiterated its long-held position that while ethical and responsible journalism remains non-negotiable, regulatory frameworks must not erode the constitutional guarantees that protect press freedom.
Mr Bagbin stressed the need to strike a careful balance between safeguarding national security and upholding freedom of expression, emphasising that a free, independent, and fearless media remains a vital pillar of Ghana’s democratic governance.
The dinner night, which brought together journalists, lawmakers, and key stakeholders, ended with renewed calls for sustained dialogue and collaboration to ensure electronic communications laws are applied in ways that protect journalists and strengthen the country’s democratic culture.
Latest Stories
-
Kotoko appoint former Dutch goalkeeper Stanley Menzo as Technical Director
2 minutes -
Wontumi says challenges have prepared him to lead NPP to victory
12 minutes -
Police launch investigation into killing of 36-year-old man in Nkwanta South
12 minutes -
Lack of professional oversight driving recent building failures — Expert
14 minutes -
Family demands justice as military officer is remanded over civil engineer’s killing
18 minutes -
Joint Technical Committee releases preliminary findings on Madina building collapse
22 minutes -
NPP chairmanship race: Wontumi defends loyalty and experience
59 minutes -
Court cases do not bar political ambition – Chairman Wontumi
1 hour -
Government to inspect MMDAs over building permit enforcement
1 hour -
Cocoa must yield living income, free from deforestation and child labour – The Netherlands
1 hour -
Regional minister marks birthday with donation to Jirapa St. Joseph Orphanage
1 hour -
Trump’s $100,000 H-1B visa fee thrown out by judge
2 hours -
Weak enforcement of audit findings fuels rising infractions across Africa – Experts
2 hours -
MTN Home named title sponsor of The Build Project
2 hours -
AMA fines 13 offenders during National Sanitation Day exercise in Accra
2 hours