Media watchdog oppose imposition of media censorship

The National Media Commission (NMC) on Wednesday appealed to the government not to use Act 472 to impose censorship in the country but to use the powers conferred by law in the best interest of the nation.

A statement issued in Accra on Wednesday and signed by Mr Nutiffafa Kuenyehia, Chairman of NMC, said at the Commission's 18th General meeting it thoroughly discussed the statement of the Minister of Information and Presidential Affairs directing the media to seek clearance from his office before publishing any story from or about the Yendi conflict.

This, the statement said, was in view of the declaration of a state of emergency by the President in accordance with Article 31 of the 1992 Constitution and the Emergency Powers Act 1994.

It explained that under Article 31, the President was empowered to declare a state of emergency in a situation likely to deprive the community of the essentials of life or which render necessary the taking of measures, which were required for seeking public safety and the maintenance of public order among other things.

The statement said the Commission had noted the constitutionality of the Emergency Power Act but expressed regret about the circumstances leading to its invocation and described it as unfortunate.

The Commission, however, welcomed the willingness of the Minister to discuss with stakeholders, particularly the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) and NMC in implementing the provisions of the law and in resolving any differences between government and the media.

It further reminded the media of Article 21 (1) of the 1992 Constitution on the limitations on the rights of freedom including freedom of speech and expression, which shall include the freedom of the press and other media during a state of emergency. The NMC accordingly renewed it appeal to the media to exercise circumspection and care in the reportage of the Yendi conflict and to avoid speculation and conjecture.