Woyongo calls on media to promote national unity

Mr Mark Owen Woyongo, Minister of the Interior says although the 1992 Constitution guarantees media freedom, the independence should end where matters of citizens safety, security and survival begins.

He said media practitioners should exhibit professionalism over sensationalism and play down on issues which divide the nation and stress on those that unite.

He said instead of the media informing and educating, some have become agents of sensationalism and reckless reportage.

Speaking at a media soiree he noted that the heavily polarised media sometimes throw caution and professionalism to the wind, resulting in needless chaos, suffering, bloodshed and mayhem in countries and the examples abound in Africa.

Mr Woyongo urged the media to be more circumspect in their reportage on issues before, during and after the November 7 presidential and parliamentary elections.

He said censorship is imperative in the interest of peace and security especially with the passage of the Content Standard Regulations, 2015, (LI 2224).

“We should always remember that we have only one Ghana and if violence should break out in this country, it would be difficult to survive in another country considering the comfort we are enjoying currently,” he said.

He said the media should see itself as partners in the efforts to maintain law, order, peace, and stability in the country.

He said Ghana continues to invest in tourism due to the relative peace “we enjoy”.

Mr Woyono said government expects the elections to be free, fair, transparent and devoid of violence so that Ghanaians could go about their social activities without fear or hindrance.

He said this could only happen with the support of the media who are expected to give out the right information at the right time.

He said “we as a government have been very transparent with matters affecting the security of Ghana that is why our doors remain open and accessible to the media”.