The Ghana Journalist Association (GJA) is backing calls for the enactment of clear regulations to govern the taking of photographs in public places.
The calls have come in the wake of Tuesday’s detention of four journalists by guards working for renowned Nigerian Prophet, TB Joshua.
The journalists were detained when they attempted to film chaotic scenes at a mammoth church service held by the prophet at the Spintex road branch of his church. The GJA has called for the arrest of TB Joshua.
Happening few months after the assault of two journalists by some military officers at this year’s independence parade, a spokesperson for the Ghana Bar Association Tony Forson said Tuesday’s incident indicate the media as “another strand of our democracy is in total danger”.
“The point is, the persons who are in the public place – depending on who they are – are entitled to their personal security… if the person is not a security risk, then all this question of arrest and detention should not occur”.
He maintained it is time to clearly spell out rules governing the taking of photographs in public places.
Meanwhile the President of the GJA Affail Monney has backed the suggestion but insisted journalists are already aware of their responsibilities when covering public events.
“Every professional journalist at least knows the parameters within which he or she must operate...at least we should have a sense of security and we expect our people to obey these things to the highest order”.
