Celebrating World Press Freedom Day: The Importance of the Media in the National Reconstruction Agenda

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Dr. Edward Omane Boamah

Dr. Edward Omane Boamah

Moments ago I received a message from one respected senior journalist seeking to know why I have not written any article to commemorate the occasion. I have already prepared something nice for my friends in the media and to support what my senior colleagues will tell journalists on this occasion. I had to wait for the sector Minister to officially come out with a release before I jump in as a humble servant. I listened to the Communication Minister Honourable Dr Edward Omane Boamah deliver a speech to mark the occasion and was spot on. He admonished all to be circumspectious using the internet by avoiding the use of pornographic and other filthy materials on the net, citing the case of a guy who posted nude pictures of his partner on the net. The cordial relationship existing between the sector Minister, his deputies and communication experts working with the ministry is something we must all commend.

Ghana is rated 22nd on globe and 2nd on the continent by the world body when it comes to press freedom; we are currently second to Namibia something we must all be proud of. As usual let me bring in the historical angle. Freedom of the press was not always the case, for during the military days the press fell under censorship, and after what the military officials referred to as reformation the military leaders claimed the monopoly of all presses by virtue of decree prerogative. The criticism of the press was met by imposition of tough sanctions, the doctrine of libel was mischievously used to restrain journalists from critically monitor government activities. You see subjugation of the press didn?t start with our military. In the United Kingdom where press freedom is held high, journalists suffered serious attacks before gaining the freedom they enjoying. John Stubbe in 1959 was mutilated for a pamphlet against the suggested marriage of the queen with the Duke of Alencon. In 1566 an order of council in the star chamber was directed against seditious books. In 1585 a regular system of press censorship was established by the star chamber, and no book could be published unless previously read and licensed by various authorities, the Archbishop of Canterbury, Bishop of London, or the judges. London, Oxford and Cambridge alone could have printing presses. I will later deal with this topic comprehensively but let?s enjoy the day. One relevant point noteworthy is the fact that there isn?t anything like absolute press freedom anywhere, to ensure effective security activities of the press are cautiously monitored to ensure balanced and reasonable reportage. Today in our country any person may publish what he pleases subject to the regulations by the National media commission.

Allegations of government pressure to influence the press minimized because of the vigilance across board. One problem facing us when it comes to the media is the emergence of some mischievous elements whose activities turn to undermine the excellent performance we witnessing. It is clear therefore, that there are serious possibilities of deliberate misleading of the public by these miscreants who have found their way into the media stables.

As we celebrate the day with our media friends, let?s ponder over possible methods we could adopt to help them exhibit the common ethics we know of the Ghanaian journalist. The sanctity and safety of our nation as well as our continuous existence depend on the kind of Media Empire we help to establish. Freedom comes with some responsibilities this is what our journalists must factor into their work ethics, their role to propagate government activities alongside putting the establishment on its toes must not in any way be sacrificed for personal political inclinations. Work ethics must be detached from our political biases.

I will end here by saluting our noble son and daughters in the media. Some of us have had issues with some journalists but that is normal, nothing like perfection anywhere, we still learning under the dispensation, hopefully, we shall get to understand ourselves better to accelerate the transformation agenda.

To the communication ministry and all outlets operating under the ministry we say Ayekoo, the perfect human relationship displayed by the sector minister and his lieutenants contributed to the serene environment we enjoying.

Source: Ohenenana Obonti Krow

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