The government in a statement issued by Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, the Information Minister, on the occasion of the World Press Freedom Day on Wednesday, May 3, called for stronger emphasis on economic rights, considering the recent global challenges.
This year’s World Press Freedom Day is on the theme ‘Shaping a Future of Rights: Freedom of Expression as a driver for all other human rights.”
“The media has been instrumental over the years, in highlighting various rights that require attention for full enjoyment. The work of the media also in highlighting instances of abuse of some rights by sections of society, has led to redress in many instances. We urge the media to remain resolute on this path.
“The quest to have all citizens fully access their economic rights is yet to achieve full effect, especially as the world faces dim economic forecasts following recent global challenges. While urging the Media in Ghana to keep the spotlight on all human rights, we encourage an even sharper focus on efforts to ensure that the economic rights of citizens are fully actualized.”
Kojo Oppong Nkrumah
PRINPAG Urges Government To Save Ghanaian Media From Dying
The Private Newspapers and Online News Publishers Association of Ghana (PRINPAG) is calling on government to put measures in place to save the Ghanaian media industry from dying.
In a statement to celebrate World Press Freedom Day, PRINPAG further appealed to the government to support all media houses to be able to stand on their feet.
“On this special occasion, PRINPAG would want to seize the opportunity to urge the Government’s media handlers to be proactive and to engage media owners, editors and senior journalists more, in an attempt to save the Ghanaian media from dying. It is the prayer of PRINPAG that, the Government, through its handlers will put in place mechanisms to ensure that, all media outlets are supported to stand on their feet, whichever is feasible to do, to foster a close partnership and collaboration between the media and the government in the interest of the development of mother Ghana.”
PRINPAG
PRINPAG admonished government to desist from discriminating in their dealings with journalists.
“We again urge the Government’s media handlers not to discriminate in their dealings with the media but to open up and to bring all media practitioners and their organisations on board to promote the national agenda,” PRINPAG entreated.
PRINPAG called on lovers of media freedom to stand up and defend media practitioners by condemning all acts perpetuated against journalists.
“On this day, it is important to continue highlighting the need to protect journalists and their sources from censorship, intimidation, and any act of violence. This year’s World Press Freedom Day must serve as a wake-up call to all lovers of media freedom to stand up and defend media practitioners by condemning all acts that end up negatively affecting the practice of journalism in this country.”
PRINPAG
Moreover, PRINPAG urged journalists to stay focused and united to prosecute the national agenda, irrespective of perceived political ideologies. “Ayekoo to all media practitioners in Ghana, as we urge you all to stay focused and united to prosecute the national agenda irrespective of perceived political ideologies,” the association urged its members.
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