Minister of Information, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, has voiced his concerns about the growing incidents of violence against journalists and called for more robust actions against those responsible.
He emphasized the importance of swift and decisive justice, urging judges to expedite severe penalties for attackers. Oppong Nkrumah underscored that justice should prevail, irrespective of the social status or political affiliations of the culprits.
“Freedom of expression is the cornerstone of every democratic society; it is a fundamental right that must be protected and upheld.”
“We cannot, however, discuss freedom of expression without press freedom and recognising the important role journalists play in our society.”
The Minister added, “It is our duty to create an environment where journalists can carry out their work without fear of violence or intimidation.”
“We must condemn any form of violence against journalists and take concrete steps to provide them with the necessary protection and support.”
The appeal was issued at the commencement of a training workshop for judges on Monday, December 4, 2023, in Accra.
The workshop aimed to underscore the vital role of upholding freedom of expression and ensuring the well-being of journalists.
Emphasizing the commitment to fostering a secure environment for journalists, the Minister stated that the government, through the Ministry of Information, has implemented various programs to support the media sector.
Since 2019, these endeavors have led to the establishment of key interventions addressing the challenges confronting the media industry.
A notable initiative was the establishment of the Office of the Coordinated Mechanism on the Safety of Journalists (CMSJ) under the National Media Commission (NMC).
This office operates within a framework intended for use by all stakeholders to create a safe atmosphere for journalism practice, prevent violence against journalists, safeguard those at risk, and prosecute individuals responsible for acts of violence.
Through its Media Capacity Enhancement Programme (MCEP), the ministry is actively engaging in the training of 250 journalists on emerging issues in journalism.
This collaborative initiative seeks to strengthen the sector, which has encountered growing challenges in recent times.
Furthermore, the comprehensive implementation of the Right to Information (RTI) Law involves the training and deployment of RTI officers in nearly 600 government offices across the country.
The establishment of the RTI Commission has played a pivotal role in ensuring adherence to the RTI Act by public offices.
In addition, the Ministry facilitated an extensive consultation on a new Broadcasting Bill, crafted to enhance the regulatory capabilities of state institutions in overseeing the broadcasting sector effectively.
Collectively, these initiatives underscore the government’s unwavering commitment to supporting and reinforcing the media landscape amidst evolving challenges.