The National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) has urged the Government and the Security Agencies to investigate the recent attacks on some journalists by National Security Operatives and punish perpetrators.
That, the NCCE believes will create and maintain a safe working environment for journalists and the citizenry at large.
Two journalists of Citi FM, Caleb Kudah and Zoe Abu-Baidoo were arrested and interrogated on May 11 by operatives of National Security following allegations that Caleb had filmed scenes from a prohibited security vicinity and sent same to Zoe.
Subsequent to their release, Caleb in particular alleged that he was manhandled, including kicks to his groin, during his interrogation.
In a statement, the NCCE said,”In as much as the Commission condemns the alleged brutalities meted out to these journalists, the NCCE calls on journalists to be responsible and measured in their line of work as well as to uphold the ethical standards of their profession.”
The Commission acknowledged and commended the commissioning of the Office for the Coordinated Mechanism on the Safety of Journalists by the Ministry of Information as part of activities marking this year’s World Press Freedom Day earlier this month.
“In safeguarding the peace and stability of our country, the NCCE notes that it is the duty of the State to protect and preserve the rights and freedoms of the citizenry. Thus, irrespective of the infraction by journalists, the State security apparatus should handle such issues within the confines of the law. The blatant violation of rights of these journalists is an abuse of their freedom, which may have a telling effect on the freedom of expression by Ghanaians especially media practitioners who champion the voice of the voiceless. For the sake of our democracy, the NCCE appeals for the cessation of these alleged abuses,” NCCE stated.
It added that,”Although a Committee of Enquiry has been set up by the Ministry of National Security to unravel the circumstances surrounding the issue, the NCCE urges that the findings and recommendations of the report would be implemented to discourage future brutalities against Ghanaians and particularly journalists. This would stem the tide in the growing cynicism and lack of confidence in Commissions of Enquiry, whose recommendations are often not implemented.”
Ghana| Atinkaonline.com| Porcia Oforiwaa Ofori