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The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, has assured the media fraternity that no law will be passed to stifle the work of journalists while he remains in charge of the legislature.
The assurance was conveyed in a speech read on his behalf by the Member of Parliament 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, December 23.
Bagbin acknowledged concerns within the media landscape that laws intended to regulate digital communications are increasingly being used to harass and intimidate journalists, undermining their work. He added that existing legislation posing a threat to press freedom would also be reviewed.
The assurance comes amid growing worries over the use of electronic communications laws to target media practitioners. Several journalists at the event recounted arrests, interrogations, and legal actions linked to online publications and social media commentary arising from their professional duties.
The GJA reaffirmed its stance that while ethical and responsible journalism is non-negotiable, legislation must not undermine constitutional guarantees of press freedom.
Bagbin stressed the importance of balancing national security with freedom of expression, noting that a free and independent media is a cornerstone of Ghana’s democratic governance.
The dinner night, which brought together journalists, lawmakers, and key stakeholders, concluded with renewed calls for continued engagement to ensure electronic communications laws are implemented in a manner that protects journalists and strengthens democracy.
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