Accra: Ms Rebecca Ekpe, the Vice President of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), has emphasized the importance for media practitioners to operate within the parameters of the law to avoid legal challenges. She highlighted the necessity for journalists to have a comprehensive understanding of the law, verify information accurately, respect individual rights, and uphold the highest standards of ethical journalism.
According to Ghana News Agency, Ms Ekpe shared these insights during the opening of a five-day residential training focused on legal frameworks governing media practice in Ghana. This event, which also marked the launch of the Legal Support Fund for journalists, was organized by the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) with support from DW Akademie and the European Union. The gathering aimed to bring media personnel from across the country together to discuss the legal framework that guides their profession.
Ms Ekpe stressed that legal protection must be balanced with professional responsibility. She referenced Chapter 12 of the 1992 Constitution, which provides strong constitutional protection for the media, allowing practitioners the freedom to report, investigate, and express opinions while expecting them to operate responsibly. She emphasized the need for media practitioners to report responsibly, uphold constitutional values, hold the government accountable, provide fairness, respect people's rights, and maintain high journalistic standards.
She commended the MFWA for equipping journalists with practical knowledge on media law, legal risks, digital rights, and avenues for redress, while also establishing a legal support fund for Ghanaian journalists. This initiative is seen as timely and crucial for protecting journalists' rights as they carry out their duties. Ms Ekpe also highlighted that fear and intimidation have discouraged journalists from performing their roles effectively, but with the Fund, there would be enhanced access to justice and media freedom.
Additionally, Ms Ekpe suggested engaging the arms of government to appreciate their role in responsible journalism, including media literacy and agenda setting. Dr Kojo Impraim, Programme Director of MFWA, noted that the training would help practitioners understand the framework they operate within, their rights, and the mechanisms for redress to ensure safer journalism.
Dr Daniel Kwame Ampofo Adjei, Programme Manager of MFWA, provided an overview of the Fund, stating that eligible applicants must demonstrate that their publication is directly connected to legitimate journalistic standards and the public interest, and have evidence relating to any legal threat. Ms Ama Kodjo, DW Akademie-Ghana Programme Director, presented a dummy cheque valued at GHC544,000.00, affirming her institution's commitment to supporting journalists in working within a safe environment.
The event was attended by key figures such as Mr Abdulai Awudu, President of the Ghana Independent Broadcasters Association (GIBA), and Mr Jeorge Wilson Kingson, Executive Secretary of the Private Newspapers and Online Publishers Association (PRIMPAG).