The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) has delivered an interesting seven paragraph letter to the Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Joyce Bamford-Addo. Giving its importance and possible implications vis-avis the 1992 Ghanaian Constitution, we publish the letter unedited:
“Dear Madam Speaker, Parliament’s Anger Over Africa Watch Magazine Ratings.
The Ghana Journalists Association extends its highest compliments and wishes to congratulate Madam Speaker on her service to democracy and to humanity.
The outrage expressed by Honourable Members against the publication by Africa Watch magazine, rating the performance of Parliamentarians has come to our attention. We very much understand the anger expressed by Honourable Members.
However, the GJA wishes to express deep concern over Parliament’s decision to question the legitimacy of the Magazine to carry out such a rating and its decision to summon its editor, Steve Mallory, before the House’s Privileges Committee.
We consider Parliament’s interest in the matter legitimate but we think the Honourable House’s mode of seeking clarification of the methodology adopted by the magazine through summoning its editor before the Privileges Committee as rather intimidatory and not in the spirit of the Ghanaian Constitution. (emphasis ours).
The Constitution categorically states in Article 162 (4) that “Editors and publishers of newspapers and other institutions of the mass media shall not be subject to control or interference by government, nor shall they be penalized or harassed for their editorial opinions and views, or the content of their publications.”
On that score, Madam Speaker, it is our humble view, that, Parliament has overreacted in the matter and wish to recommend that the Honourable House send a rejoinder to the magazine and additionally, explore avenues for dialogue with the Editor on how it feels such a rating should be conducted to make it acceptable to all and sundry including Honourable Members.
The National Media Commission could be the mediator in a dialogue with the African Watch magazine with the Editors Forum, Ghana and the GJA as observers, in order to reach an amicable settlement. Thank you for your anticipated cooperation.”
