Ghana’s media watchdog members sworn-in

Seventeen out of 18 members of the reconstituted Ghana National Media Commission (NMC) were on Thursday sworn into office at the Supreme Court in Accra.

They took the oaths of allegiance and office, administered by Mr Justice A.K.B. Ampiah, a judge of the Supreme Court. The only member absent was Mrs Margaret Ivy Amoakohene, a representative of the Institute of Public Relations/Advertisers Association of Ghana.

The Commission is made up of representatives of organisations and institutions, including the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), Private Newspaper Publishers Association (PRINPAG), Ghana Bar Association (GBA), offices of Parliament and the President.

Ampiah said that the media in contemporary times has come under strict criticism and assessment from the public and therefore advised practitioners to ensure accurate, fair and objective reportage.

He reminded them: "it is necessary, however, that while guarding against the interference of the media, you should also consider the protection of the rights of individuals and legal obligations of institutions under the constitution".

Ampiah said the task of the NMC especially under the current democratic process, is challenging but expressed the hope that with dedication, courage, impartiality and understanding it would live up to expectation.

He advised the new commission to work hard to give meaning to the freedom and independence of the media as guaranteed in the constitution and take appropriate measures to ensure high journalistic standards.

Among those present at the ceremony were the chief executives of the state-owned media and the President of the GJA, Mrs Gifty Afenyi-Dadzie.