Albert Kwabena Dwumfour, President of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), has disclosed that the association will engage presidential candidates from various political parties to encourage them to make commitment statements defending press freedom.
Mr Dwumfour made the statement on Thursday at a media dialogue on defending media freedom organized by Joy News, CDD Ghana, and the Danish Embassy.
The GJA President said the move was intended to encourage the next government to respect freedom of the press and the protection of journalists.
“Ladies and gentlemen, I want to take advantage of this opportunity to invite all of you to the upcoming 28th GJA Awards on September 28, 2024, at the International Conference Center. We are officially inviting presidential candidates from various political parties, particularly the two leading parties, to make a commitment statement defending press freedom and ensuring media viability. The historic occasion also climaxes the 75th anniversary of the Ghana Journalists Association,” he said
According to him, respect for press freedom must be encouraged by all adding “Ensuring media freedom is a job for all of us—not just journalists and governments. We all have a part to play”
He further called for a Private Member bill to enhance press freedom.
“I am strongly proposing that all key stakeholders must come together to sponsor a private member bill that will seek to strengthen media freedom and end impunity against journalists in our country.
Let’s stand together and uphold the principles of media freedom. It is critical to ensure that people’s voices are heard, that the truth is revealed, and that justice is served.”
Ghana| Atinkaonline.com