Jeorge Wilson Kingson
The Private Newspapers and Online News Publishers Association of Ghana (PRINPAG) has called for justice and the protection of media personnel who face violence and harassment in the cause of their work.
According to PRINPAG, Ghana has made notable progress in supporting a free and independent press, but challenges persist, particularly regarding acts of violence and impunity against journalists in Ghana.
In a statement issued on November 2, 2023 to mark the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists, PRINPAG cited several cases of journalists who have been killed, assaulted, or threatened for reporting on sensitive issues such as corruption, human rights, or politics.
“Journalists must be allowed to carry out their constitutional mandate without fear of persecution or harm. We stand firm in our unwavering belief that press freedom is essential for democracy and development,” the statement jointly signed by PRINPAG President, Edwin Arthur and Acting Executive Secretary Jeorge Wilson Kingson read.
PRINPAG also appealed to the government, members of civil society organisations, and the international community to condemn all forms of violence and aggression against journalists, and to promote a safe and enabling environment for journalists to exercise their professional duties freely.
Doing this would entail implementing effective legal frameworks, ensuring swift and unbiased investigations into crimes against journalists, and holding the perpetrators accountable.
Furthermore, PRINPAG urged media organizations, both local and international, to strengthen their support networks and measures to safeguard the safety of journalists.
“On this International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists, PRINPAG reaffirms its commitment to advancing press freedom, protecting journalists, and promoting responsible journalism,” the statement read.
It added that, in democracy, the media is extremely important and we all have a duty to support those who work hard to keep the public informed.
By Nafisa Abdul-Razak