Journalists bemoan pornographic imagery in the media

Accra, March 27, GNA - The Foundation for Female Photojournalist (FFP), has called on the Ministry of Information and advertising agencies to monitor and sanction media houses that publish and or telecast pornographic imageries.

The Foundation said: "The growing increase of pornography on the news-stands and the portrayal of women as sexual objects in music clips undermine the protection of human rights law in Ghana."

"Various advertisements in the media especially on musical clips, and pornographic materials in some newspaper publications, portray women as sexual objects and a form of sexual exploitation".

A statement copied to the Ghana News Agency in Accra on Saturday and signed by Ms Mardey Ohui Ofoe, Executive Director of FFP said, those responsible for enforcing the law against the sale of indecent and viewing of such materials must live up to expectation.

She noted that the agencies in-charge must wake up to their responsibilities to save women from sexual exploitation in the country. "Women and girls suffer violence and discrimination due to their sex which is unacceptable and should not be encouraged," Ms Ofoe said. She appealed to government to support women in their quest to be free from poverty and social injustices.

Ms Ofoe also urged professional institutions to support women to attain gender equality and uphold their dignity and be free from sexual exploitation and stereotyping.

She challenged corporate organizations to encourage women employees to contribute to the governance of their communities and the nation as a whole by vying for national positions.

She said women must work hard to increase their representation even beyond government's quota of ensuing 40 per cent women in government 27 March 10