Exercise effective authority over the media

Accra, Aug. 11, GNA - President John Agyekum Kufuor on Friday called on the National Media Commission (NMC) to be a bit more alert to ensure that the media was kept on its toes to do the right thing. He noted that getting the media to live up to its responsibility was something that many people believed the Commission had not done effectively.

President Kufuor, who was speaking when members of the NMC led by its Chairman, Mr Paul Adu Gyamfi sought audience with him at the Castle, Osu, said the Commission needed to be watchful to help to protect the enabling environment engendered by the freedom of expression. The Commission is enjoined by law to consult with the President on matters concerning its efficient functioning.

President Kufuor said the prevailing air of freedom had led to the sprouting up of newspapers; television and Frequency Modulation (FM) radio stations. While some of them were constructive and good some were destructive.

"We should seek to streamline this vital sector so that it works with a serious sense of responsibility towards the development of the nation."

He said since the media had the means of influencing views of the society, it had a duty to respect the integrity of the State as well as the laws.

"We are all maturing. We are all growing. It is not only the Executive and for that matter the Government that must be kept on its toes."

Mr Adu-Gyamfi, who said they were at the Castle to discuss matters concerning the Commission and the way forward, stated that the NMC had been free from governmental influence. This was the first ever meeting to be held by the Commission with President Kufuor.