Reported Cases of Attacks on Journalists: Oppong Nkrumah wants Parliament to demand Action

Minister for Information, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, has urged Parliament to assist the National Media Commission (NMC) in holding the investigative, prosecutorial, and judicial agencies accountable for reported incidents of attacks on journalists in the country.

According to the Minister who doubles as the Member of Parliament for the Ofoase Ayirebi constituency in the Eastern Region, the phenomenon of attacks and intimidation of Journalists in the country is gaining notoriety, and Data available to the Ministry suggests that the trend is ascending.

He said, “Increasingly, various actors in our society – state actors, non-state actors, political party operatives, assigns of businesses, and everyday citizens are resorting to attacks and intimidation of journalists as a means of expressing their displeasure.

“This is even though the freedom of the press is a cornerstone of our democracy, and the protection of those who contribute to the free flow of information should be paramount to us all.”

He made the call on the Floor of Parliament on Wednesday, November 8, 2023, in a statement on ‘Efforts to Improve the Safety of Journalists in Ghana’.

He indicated that a collaboration by his Ministry with the National Media Commission (NMC) for a Coordinated Mechanism for the Safety of Journalists in 2021, has “chalked minimal success since its inception”, hence the call.

He stressed the need for Parliament to intervene to compel the judiciary and prosecutorial agencies of the state to act on a sustained basis. Indicating that in some instances, his Ministry has had to intervene to make direct reports to the Ghana Police Service as well as demand accountability on the investigation, prosecution, and punishment of perpetrators.

Mr. Oppong Nkrumah also called on the Central Government as well as donor partners to support the National Media Commission to be able to implement mechanisms that would ensure the adequate protection of journalists.

“If we do not resource the constitutionally established independent National Media Commission to implement this mechanism, all our talk and best intentions again will be in vain.

“I call on the special budget committee of Parliament to advocate for more resources for the NMC to implement this. A well-funded mechanism is essential to provide the tools, training, and support needed to enhance the security of our journalists as they carry out their vital role in society.”

Source: Clement Akoloh || parliamentnews360.com