Symposium marks World press Freedom Day

Accra, May 5, GNA - Government remains committed to finalizing the Right to Information Bill and National Broadcasting Law to promote the free flow of public information and pluralism in the media. Mrs Zita Okaikoi, Minister of Information who said this added that government will continue to strengthen the capacity of the National Media Commission (NMC) which insulates the media from government interference.

The Minister, who was addressing a symposium organised by the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) as part of activities marking this year's World Press Freedom Day in Accra said there was the need for increased collaboration between the media and government. "With dialogue and mutual understanding between various segments of society, national development would be accelerated", she added. Activities for this year's celebration which was sponsored by the Accra Brewery Limited include a roundtable on Public Service Broadcasting, a media encounter with the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative (CHRAJ) and a Flag Raising ceremony.

The annual celebration which was proclaimed by the UN General Assembly in 1993 falls on May 3rd each year under and the global theme for this year is: "Media, Dialogue and Mutual Understanding". Mrs Okaikoi said the media constituted a major means of communicating with large numbers of people across a nation and mobilizing them for national development and therefore in performing the important functions of informing, educating and entertaining the public, the media, both print and electronic, carry lots of information on various subjects and policy issues for the enlightenment of the public. "Indeed, the functions of the media are varied and countless, including the creation and enhancement of public awareness on various policy issues of health, agriculture, industry, commerce, employment, education to mention only a few."

She said the media helped in public education on civic rights and responsibilities, regular payment of taxes, sanitation and environmental perseveration, forestation and other developmental issues, adding that the media did not only play an important role in shaping public opinion, but also carry concerns and reactions of the public about government policies, programmes and activities. In order to effectively fulfil the afore-mentioned roles and functions, the Minister said the freedom and independence of the media were emphasized in the 1992 Constitution of Ghana and that dialogue and mutual understanding among all sections of society would be promoted to ensure unimpeded development.

Mrs Okaikoi said Government would continue to improve access to information about government policies, programmes and activities and had found the media as helpful partners in communicating development information to the people.

Government, she said would continue to support the Ghana Institute of Journalism (GIJ) and the National Film and Television Institute (NAFTI) to train media professionals to improve efficiency in the media and information sector, to enhance national development.

Mr. Ransford Tetteh, President of the Association urged the Police Administration to tell the nation something about the suspected assailants of Mr Samuel Ennin, Ashanti Regional Chairman of the Association. He said, although the GJA had redeemed its pledge of 1,000 Ghana cedis for the arrest and prosecution of the killers of Ennin, the suspects had

still not been brought before court after two long years. He said the global theme for the celebration of the day; "Media, Dialogue and Mutual Understanding" was most appropriate because it was a reminder to journalists and other media professionals, to use their media as platforms for promoting dialogue and healthy debate aimed at mutual understanding and consensus building among the people. "Tolerance and civility are required if this is to be fully achieved.

We believe the media must be exhibitors of those qualities without compromising their watchdog role."

Mr Tetteh said the country had just come out a very competitive general election whose result and some post-election political engagements, clearly indicate that the society was polarized. He said that should be expected sometimes in any multiparty democracy, but however dialogue and fostering mutual understanding were necessary in helping both winners and losers to accept their situation and to peacefully co-exist.

He said media's efforts in promoting dialogue and mutual understanding among the victors and the vanquished were crucial, if the country's young democracy was to make further gains. "It is only in an atmosphere of tolerance and civilly that there can be freedom of expression that carries value and promotes constructive political engagements. We urge the Ghanaian media to help in nurturing this culture."

Mr Tetteh said throughout the world, May 3, also served as a day of reflection for media professionals on the issues of practice of journalism and professional ethics. "The occasion is also used to inform the public of violations of the right to freedom of expression and as a reminder that many journalists brave all odds, including jail and death to bring their daily news."

A message from the United Nations Director General Ban Ki-Moon said attacks on journalists remained shockingly high saying 11 journalists had been killed in the line of duty so far this year including Lasantha Wickrematunge, a prominent Sri Lankan journalist assassinated in January on his way to work.

There were also reports that as of December one 2008, 125 journalists were in prison. Some had been incarcerated for years - and some for more than a decade. Three countries, China, Cuba and Eritrea - account for half of those cases.

"I urge all governments that have detained journalists to ensure that their rights are fully respected, including the right to appeal and defend themselves against charges."

"I am also concerned that some government are suppressing Internet access and the work of Internet-based journalists and others using the "new media".

I urge all governments to respect the rights of these citizen journalists, who may lack the legal resources or political connections that might assist them in gaining their freedom", he said. "On World Press Freedom Day, I pay tribute to all those who work in difficult conditions to ensure that the rest of the world can have access to free and unbiased information. Let us renew our resolve to protect their freedom and safety, and let us proclaim again our commitment to free and independent media as an essential agent of human rights, development and peace." 5 May 09