Accra: Mr Alexander Afenyo-Markin, the Minority Leader in Parliament, Saturday called for the protection of journalists and the safeguarding of freedom of expression. He described any attempt to intimidate, harass, arrest, or suppress journalists for carrying out their constitutional duties as an attack on Ghana's Constitution.
According to Ghana News Agency, a free and responsible media remains essential to democratic governance, national peace, and accountability. Mr Afenyo-Markin urged journalists to uphold truth, accuracy, and professionalism in their duties. He made these remarks at the Second Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) World Press Freedom Day Honours Night held in Accra, emphasizing the importance of the media as an instrument of peace.
The Minority Leader highlighted historical lessons about media misuse, referencing the 1994 Rwanda genocide and the role of hate broadcasts. He noted, "When the media becomes a weapon of division rather than a bridge of understanding, nations bear the consequences." Mr Afenyo-Markin called on journalists, editors, and broadcasters to act as instruments of peace by prioritizing truth and context over sensationalism.
Expressing concern over what he termed as "growing threats to freedom of speech and press freedom," he cited 14 arrests related to speech and political commentary within 16 months of the current administration. He pointed to the application of Section 76 of the Electronic Communications Act, 2008 (Act 775), and Sections 207 and 208 of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29), arguing that these laws were being misapplied. The Minority Leader mentioned cases involving figures like David Essandoh and Baba Amando, emphasizing a pattern of political speech leading to arrests and detentions.
Mr Afenyo-Markin warned that democracy could not function effectively if citizens feared punishment for expressing political views. He criticized the "selective and disproportionate use of criminal prosecution against political opponents," calling it a weaponization of criminal law against free expression. He urged the Attorney-General and the Director of Public Prosecutions to ensure fair and independent reviews of speech-related prosecutions and called on the Judiciary to uphold constitutional principles.
In addition, Mr Samuel Nartey George, the Minister of Communication, Digital Technology, and Innovations, advocated for stronger collaboration between the Government, media institutions, and journalists to combat misinformation and disinformation while safeguarding press freedom. He highlighted the challenges posed by digital technologies and social media, noting that not all information circulating today is journalism.
The Minister reaffirmed the Government's commitment to media freedom, provided it does not threaten national peace and security. The event was themed "Shaping a Future at Peace: Promoting Press Freedom for Human Rights, Development, and Security."