The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, has assured the media fraternity that no law would be passed to stifle the work of journalists while he remains in charge of the affairs of the legislature.
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, the Speaker acknowledged fears within the media landscape that laws intended to regulate digital communications were increasingly being used to harass and intimidate journalists and undermine their work.
The Speaker, who has been in the Chamber since the inception of the Fourth Republic in 1993, added that existing legislation that poses a threat to press freedom would also be reviewed.
The assurance comes amid growing concerns over the use of electronic communications laws to threaten the work of media practitioners.
Several journalists at the event shared accounts of arrests, interrogations and legal actions linked to online publications and social media commentary arising from their professional duties.
The GJA reiterated its position that while ethical and responsible journalism is non-negotiable, the application of legislation must not undermine constitutional guarantees of press freedom.
The Speaker emphasised the need to strike a careful balance between safeguarding national security and upholding freedom of expression, noting that a free and independent media remains a cornerstone of Ghana’s democratic governance.
The dinner night, which brought together journalists, lawmakers, and key stakeholders, ended with renewed calls for sustained engagement to ensure that electronic communications laws are implemented in a manner that protects journalists and strengthens democracy.
