President of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), Mr Albert Kwabena Dwumfour, has stated that the Association will continue to ensure that any action or law that seeks to stifle free expression fails.
The GJA President made the declaration at the commemoration of World Press Freedom Day in Accra today.
The global theme for World Press Freedom Day 2023 is “Shaping a Future of Rights: Freedom of Expression as a Driver for all other human rights.”
The theme coincides with the 30th anniversary of both World Press Freedom Day and the Vienna Conference’s Declaration and Programme of Action for Human Rights.
The theme for Ghana’s celebration is “Freedom of Expression: A Driver for all human rights for Ghana’s Development .”
“Regarding the development of the nation, Madam Chairperson, the right to free expression is of the utmost importance, and all measures must be taken to ensure that it is not infringed upon in any way.
“Madam Chairperson, the GJA, along with MFWA, GIBA, and PRINPAG, recently urged the government to amend certain provisions of the Electronic Communications Act and the Criminal Code, specifically Section 208 of the Criminal and Other Offences Act of 1960 (Act 29), Mr Dwumfour said.
As critical stakeholders in the media industry, he said journalists could not remain unconcerned as these laws are used to arrest citizens and journalists and prefer criminal charges over civil remedies for press and speech offenses that are merely defamatory.
“The arbitrary application of these laws only serves to instill fear in the general populace.
One of our colleagues, Noah Nartey Dameh of Radio Ada was recently detained for seven days on false publication charges due to these bad laws.
“As the umbrella body of journalists in this country, Madam Chairperson, we will continue to ensure that any action or law that seeks to stifle free expression fails.
According to him, to ensure that free speech is always protected, it is essential that journalists, who are the vanguards of free speech, receive all the support they require to carry out their duties without hindrance or compromise.
“This is why, under my stewardship, the GJA has established the Journalists Support Fund (JSF). The Fund will provide legal services to journalists whose rights have been violated while performing their duties. It will also assist in providing training and seminars on safety and security to our members to improve their safety and security,” he said.
The fund will also be used to support or cushion retirees.
Ghana | Atinkaonline.com
