Don't criticise the media - MP

Accra, Feb. 23, GNA - The Minority Spokesman on Communications and MP for Sekondi, Papa Owusu-Ankomah, on Wednesday criticised the judiciary for imposing custodian sentences on media practitioners.

He said such sentences undermines the effectiveness of the media and infringes on free expression. Papa Owusu-Ankomah was answering questions from journalists at a course on election reporting organised by the Commonwealth Press Union and Commonwealth Broadcasting Association (CBA), in Accra.

He said there is no distinction between civil and criminal libel in law adding that the reference to private and public officials in determining such cases is not fair. The MP noted that the power of judges in determining contempt cases is more complex and give them authority to do what they like.

The authority of the Judges should be circumscribed so as not to limit free expression, he said. Papa Owusu-Ankomah called for the enactment of an Act to enable journalist to have access to information expeditiously.

He said media practitioners have the role to shape the opinion of the people and to contribute to the development of the country. The MP urged journalists to criticise with circumspection in order not to exacerbate the normal rivalries of election campaigns, adding that it would be the greatest threat to peace and development.

He advised them to be fair in the discharge of their duties and to adhere to the Code of Ethics of the Ghana Journalists Association and the National Media Commission's guidelines.