Freedom of speech must be exercised with care to avoid chaos – A-G

• Dr Joseph Whittal (seated middle) with members of the West Africa
Network of Activists and Media Defence Lawyers

THE Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Godfred Yeboah Dame, has reiterated the government’s commitment to safeguarding the rights of journalists and activists, ensuring they perform their duties without fear.

He emphasised that the media plays a crucial role in democracy, and any attack on journalists is strongly condemned. “The media serves as a pillar of democracy and that cannot be underrated,” she said, highlighting the need for media freedom.

He said this in a speech read on his behalf at the Public Forum on the Law and Freedom of Expression in West Africa (MFWA) held in Accra yesterday.

On the theme “Countering legal obstacles to media freedom, civic expression and the fight against impunity: Challenges and prospects,” the forum was organised by Media Foundation for West Africa.

The minister stressed the importance of responsible journalism, noting that freedom of speech should be exercised with care to avoid fuelling chaos, especially as Ghana approaches its elections.

He called on journalists and the public to avoid biased reporting, misinformation, and insults, warning that such actions could disturb the peace.

He further called on security personnel to refrain from overstepping their bounds by attacking journalists or activists, urging that any professional misconduct should be handled within the law.

Mr Odame acknowledged that while some issues stemmed from unprofessional conduct by certain journalists, the government remained committed to their legal protection.

“Technology has broadened the scope of speech, with information spreading faster due to the internet, while technology empowers individuals, it also presents challenges like harassment and the rapid spread of false information,” he said.

The minister emphasized that for free speech to benefit democracy, it must not be misused.

He urged the media to act with professionalism and neutrality, reminding them of their key role in holding the government accountable while ensuring peace and stability in the nation.

The Executive Director, MFWA, Mr Sulemana Braimah, called on the government to ensure that security agents who abuse journalists and media workers were duly punished.

According to him, government must also ensure that justice is served to the victims of the assault and that security agents must stop assaulting journalists and media workers.

He said media managers should commit to using all legal means to ensure justice for media persons whose rights are violated in the line of duty.

“The various media houses and individual journalists who pledge to support this case to its logical end should walk the talk, media should constantly report on the progress of the case to let the GPS and government know that the case is being monitored,” he said.

Mr Braimah stated that journalists and media workers should report attacks to the police and file their statement accordingly.

“Media managers and owners must denounce and report violations against media organisations and journalists,” he said.

The forum also saw the launch of the West Africa Network of Activists and Media Defence Lawyers (WANAMDEL).

The Network would support journalists, news media organisations and activists with capacity building on avoidable legal issues; pro-bono legal services; and general awareness raising about their rights under the respective legal provisions in the respective countries.

BY AGNES OPOKU SARPONG