News:
May 2, 2013
Member of Parliament for Tano North, Hon. Freda Prempeh has emphasized the importance of the freedom of the media in the nation building exercise and urged government to improve on the country’s press freedom initiatives to enable Ghana move higher on the World Press Freedom index rankings.
According to her though Ghana’s current position of 30th out of 179 and in Africa only two countries Namibia 19th position and Cape Verde at 25th rank higher than Ghana is commendable more can be done to improve our performance.
The MP who is a trained media practitioner made the statement when she delivered a statement on the floor of Parliament to commemorate the 2013 World Press Freedom Day which falls on Friday 3rd May.
She described the recent assault on two Journalist by some soldiers at this year’s Independence Day anniversary march past as a great dent on Ghana’s reputation as regards treatment and independence of media work.
The two, from the state owned Ghanaian Times and Daily Graphic newspapers were assaulted by soldiers who thought the media personnel were over stepping their bounds, a case which sparked huge public outcry.
Hon. Freda Prempeh noted that the unfortunate incident has detracted from the country’s achievement as a nation that promotes media freedom and allows it the free space to thrive, adding that the incident happening on Independence Day was most repugnant.
She further added it was very crucial for practitioners to examine the critical role of journalist in the nation building exercise and urged the Ghana Journalist Association to encourage and ensure the highest standards of professionalism among its members.
Kwadwo Anim/Ghanamps.gov.gh