Parliament requested to enact Freedom of Information Law

Mr Bright Blewu, General Secretary of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), on Friday called on Parliament to without further delay enact a freedom of information law, to facilitate the work of media personnel.

He said such a law could assist journalists to have easy and unrestricted access to information for the efficient discharge of their duties.

Mr Blewu made the call at a public lecture, organised by the GJA at Takoradi and sponsored by the United Nations Development Fund (UNDP).

The lecture, which was under the theme: "ten years of media and public accountability," was part of activities marking World Press Freedom day in the Western Region.

Mr. Blewu reminded journalists their ability to accept criticism from the public and could assist them to improve their work.

He, however, cautioned that the GJA would not bow to any pressure from either the government or the opposition parties and advised journalists to avoid sensationalism and abide by the code of ethics of journalism.

Mr. Richard A. Quayson, Deputy Chief Legal Officer of the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) commended the media for their contribution to national development, especially in unravelling corrupt practices and ensuring peaceful elections in 2000.

Mr Quayson, however, expressed regretted that some media personnel have abused the responsibility imposed on them by the society.

said: "Recklessness and attacks on the self-esteem of innocent people, undermine the wider interest of the society."

Mr. Quayson called on media personnel to eschew arrogance and insensitivity to the rights and privileges the citizenry.

He observed that the country has gone through transparency, accountability, national integrity and good governance due to freedoms enshrined in the 1992 constitution.

Mr Quayson charged the media to be responsible and accountable to the people.

Mr. Joe Isaac Haizel, Western Regional Chairman of the GJA, advised the media to abide by the code of ethics of the profession.

He noted that despite the protection for journalists by the 1992 Constitution, some media personnel were continually attacked, intimidated and encountered difficulties in the discharge of their duties.

Participants called on the media to report accurately, avoid sensationalism and explain their role to the public