Government prioritizes the safety of Journalists – Oppong Nkrumah

Government has reiterated its commitment to provide for the safety and protection of Journalists. It is for this reason that it provided protection for Investigative Journalist with the Multimedia group, Manasseh Azure Awuni when he complained about threats on his life over his documentary “Militia at the Heart of the Nation”.

Minister for Information Kojo Oppong Nkrumah said in an interview with Asempa FM that government is however not aware the journalists’ recent visit to South Africa was due to safety reasons.

Media Commentary in recent days have sought to create the impression that Mr. Awune was in exile following his documentary but Mr. Nkrumah in his response said Mr. Awune never made mention of this when he met him two weeks ago in Accra.

“Government through the National Security Minister provided the journalist with adequate security after he first complained about threats on his life. We may disagree on matters but we will not encourage and endorse any attack on a journalist” Mr. Nkrumah said.

He said the NPP government is not anti-media freedom as claimed by critics of this administration.

“Press freedom is key to this government and the NPP has a record to support this point in the history of our governance. The repeal of the Criminal Libel Law under the Kufuor Administration and the passage of the RTI under President Akufo-Addo are enough examples to buttress my point” he said.