The Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin has assured the media fraternity that no law will be passed to stifle journalists’ work while he remains in charge of the legislature.
The assurance was delivered on his behalf by the MP for La Dade-Kotopon and Deputy Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Rita Naa Odoley Sowah, at the 3rd Annual Dinner Night of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) in Accra on Monday.
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Speaker Bagbin acknowledged concerns that laws regulating digital communications have increasingly been used to intimidate journalists and undermine press freedom. He added that any existing legislation posing a threat to media independence would be reviewed.
Several journalists at the event shared experiences of arrests, interrogations, and legal actions related to online publications and social media commentary in the course of their duties. The GJA emphasised that while ethical journalism is essential, laws must not compromise constitutional guarantees of press freedom.
The Speaker highlighted the need to balance national security with freedom of expression, stressing that a free and independent media is a cornerstone of Ghana’s democracy.
The dinner, attended by journalists, lawmakers and stakeholders, concluded with renewed calls for continued engagement to ensure electronic communications laws protect journalists and uphold democratic principles.
