Information Ministry says minister's action not interference

The Ministry of Information and Presidential Affairs on Tuesday denied that the minister interfered in the activities of media houses when he met managers of a number of radio and television stations in Accra to discuss several negative contents of some of their programmes.

A news release issued in Accra in reaction to a statement by the National Media Commission (NMC), which described the minister's meeting as constituting interference, said the issues discussed centred "on the unacceptable spate of violence, sex, uncouth language and other unsavoury contents in some programmes of our stations".

The statement signed by Mr Kofi Sekyiamah, Chief Director, said the issues were discussed with a view to encouraging the managers to voluntarily address the concerns of the government and the general public.

It said the interaction, which was very constructive and friendly, revealed that the issues were of concern to the managers of the media houses present.

"It was therefore not surprising that views converged on the need to voluntarily check the content of programmes and to ensure that adult films for instance are not shown early in the evening," it added.

The statement said these and other shared views were submitted for further discussion with various related governing bodies for their consideration.

"In no way therefore has the sector minister prevented the National Media Commission (NMC) from exercising its constitutional authority to promote and ensure the highest journalistic standard in the mass media."

The statement said the ministry was happy that the NMC was currently discussing the unacceptable content of some media programmes. "Government and the public no doubt share this pre-occupation and urge early action as we approach the festive season of high media attention."