NGO calls for sanctions for use of pornography in the media

Accra, Oct. 13, GNA - The Foundation for Female Photojournalists (FFP), an advocacy and research Non-Governmental Organization (NGO), has called for regulation on the use of pornographic materials in the media. Speaking during a courtesy call on Mr. John Tia Akologu, the Minister of Information, in Accra on Wednesday, Mrs. Mardey Ohui Ofoe, Executive Director of FFP, expressed concern about the rate at which pornography was being used in the media and its negative impact on the society especially, children.

She noted that pornography in the media did not only question the moral status of the country but also was an affront to the constitution which categorically frowns on the use of obscene pictures and videos. "As we all know, Section 163 of Chapter 12 of the Constitution categorically talks against the use of pornography in the media and this must be enforced", she said.

Mrs. Ofoe said in order to fight against pornography in the media, FFP had launched a project dubbed "Exposure Beat" which was aimed at sharing ideas with stakeholders on the need to enforce existing policies to deal with violators. Mr. Akologu expressed his appreciation to the FFP for the initiative adding that although government would not gag the media, it would ensure that the "appropriate message" was sent across to the public especially children.

He urged film producers and directors to come out with movies which would not question the morality of society and the nation as a whole. Mr. Xorla Senaya, Acting Chief Director of Ministry of Information, also expressed his support for the work of FFP and called on other civil society organizations to join in the crusade. He also expressed concern at some of the cartoons being used in the media which sought to denigrate the integrity of others. Mrs Linda Asante Agyei, Treasurer of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), said the FFP had the full support of the Association in its crusade.