Media Commission expresses concern about unverifiable allegations

Accra (Greater Accra) 16 July '99

The National Media Commission has expressed concern about the continued publication of "unverifiable allegations and the low standard of professionalism in some of the media."

A statement signed by Mr Tim Acquah-Hayford, Chairman of NMC, in Accra on Thursday said: "while the commission is ready to encourage the expression and practice of media freedom, it deplores journalism that undermines profession and tarnishes the image of the country".

The NMC said a case in point is a front-page story in the July 8-15 edition of the "National Monitor" with the headline "US and Germany supporting armed robbers and pseudo journalists to subvert Ghana's infant democracy and stability."

It said a careful reading of the story leaves no one in doubt about the unsubstantiated nature of the allegations made.

"The Commission takes this opportunity to advise all journalists to check on facts before publication to ensure that they do not violate the law and undermine the freedom of the media."

Meanwhile, the NMC has invited the Editor of the National Monitor to appear before it.