Govt's Directive Is Unconstitutional & Illegal - Minority

The NDC Minority in Parliament has described as unconstitutional and illegal, a government directive asking media houses to submit all news items on the Yendi crisis to the Information Ministry for approval before publication or broadcasting. It has also called on the Ghana Journalists Association and National Media Commission to take immediate steps to halt the gross encroachment on the freedoms and independence of the media as enshrined in the constitution.

According to the Minority Spokesperson for Communications, John Mahama, the Emergency Powers Act of 1994 under which the directive was issued, confers no censorship powers on the President.

The minority described “the directive as an obvious attempt to present a one-sided view of events in the Dagbon area and thereby cover-up the alleged involvement of top government officials and the inept handling of the crisis by intelligence and security operatives.”

The minority said although it has nothing against the imposition of a state of emergency in the area, it will not support any attempt to circumvent or violate constitutional procedures and the rule of law. The statement expressed confidence in the good sense and judgement of the media adding that “so far, journalists covering the crisis have exercised maturity and a sense of responsibility.”