The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, has reassured the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) that the legislature is committed to safeguarding press freedoms. He emphasized that the House will never enact any legislation that could restrict the press freedoms guaranteed by the Constitution.
Mr. Bagbin highlighted the importance of responsible media practices, stating that the health of society and democracy relies on the responsibility of both the media and those who use words. He encouraged responsible freedom of expression, suggesting that decent language and responsible reporting go hand in hand.
The Speaker also addressed the GJA's concerns about the Electronic Communication Act Amendment Bill, which has sparked debates about media regulation. He assured the association that the Parliament is open to discussions and welcomes consultancy to refine the bill, aiming to improve the 1992 Constitution.
This assurance comes after the President of the GJA, Albert Kwabena Dumfuor, urged Parliament to protect media freedoms and resist laws that could stifle free speech. Mr. Dumfuor criticized the use of the Electronic Communications legislation as a substitute for the repealed criminal libel act, calling for clarity on the bill's purpose and application.
The ceremony celebrated the achievements of the Parliamentary Press Corps, recognizing outstanding contributions from journalists and media professionals. Award winners included Elsie Appiah-Osei, Rachel Quartey, Ernest Kofi Edu, Kwaku Asante, and Emmanuel Akorli, among others, for their exceptional reporting and camerawork in various media outlets.
The event served as a reminder of the delicate balance between media freedom and responsible journalism, inviting further discussions on the role of the press in a democratic society.
