PEN International, Ghana Centre

Statement on World Press Freedom Day

Today, Thursday, May 3, is World Press Freedom Day. Article 19 of the Universal Declaration on Human Rights enshrines "the freedom to hold opinions and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers." Ghana’s Constitution, in Chapter Twelve Article 162 (1) guarantees the freedom and independence of the media. In 162 (2) it categorically states that “there shall be no censorship in Ghana”. But even with these very liberal provisions, it sets limits in Article 164, subjecting the freedoms “to laws that are reasonably required in the interest of national security, public order, public morality and for the purpose of protecting the reputations, rights and freedoms of other persons.” In other words, as the media enjoy the protection of the Constitution, practitioners are also enjoined to practice with some ethical and professional yardsticks.

As Ghana marches towards Election 2012, there is general apprehension that if the main players, including the media, do not exercise much restraint, the country could go through a period of national trauma. The Ghanaian Centre of PEN International is solidly behind a free and unfettered press, but in the same vein also calls on the media to exercise great circumspection in the days and months leading to the elections. The media must be an arbiter, not an instigator. As we observe this day, let us also reflect on the fates of media people who have suffered persecution and even death in the course of their duties around the world. The media in Ghana has been spared these terrible fates and that is why we must guard our freedoms assiduously and remain on the side of ethical behaviour, professionalism and responsibility.

Alhaji Abdul-Rahman Harruna Attah, President

Mr. Mackay Anim-Appiah, Executive Director