Palaver and Democrat Would Be In Trouble If .. AG

Attorney General and Minister of Justice Nana Akufo-Addo yesterday said if he were to invoke the powers vested in him by the Constitution, media personnel with "The Palaver" and "The Democrat" will have problems in this country given the kind of stories they write, which are not only injurious to the presidency but also to himself and his office.

The remarks, which formed part of the AG's concluding note of the debate on the repeal of the Criminal Libel and Seditious laws was against the background of attacks by sections of the NDC minority against the private newspapers, without any reference to the conduct of the said newspapers.

He said by presenting the bill before Parliament, the NPP has demonstrated not only its commitment to its promise to repeal the law, but also the concerns of many who had, over the years, called for its expunction. The NDC government, Akufo-Addo noted, has refused to repeal the law, and had instead, excessively applied it against journalists.

He urged the NDC minority to move away from its past and come along with the NPP in repealing the law.

He said this would enable the House to write a history that will leave footprints for this country.

To this end, the AG said his government, under the able leadership of President Kufuor, is going to make sure that the rule of law, respect for human rights due process among others, will be given due recognition in the administration of the country.

The AG had earlier missed an opportunity occasioned by his absence to another meeting to address the concerns raised by some members in respect of the Bill. The Speaker of the House therefore gave him the opportunity to rap up the debate on the second reading of the amendment process.

On the argument that the National Media Commission (NMC) be given the necessary powers to make it effective and up to its task, Akufo-Addo said he does not want to interfere in the matter as the Commission knows the necessary steps to take on that issue.

Earlier on, the Minister of Finance, Yaw Osafo Marfo, had his turn to answer questions on the floor of the House.

In response to a question on the national debt by Hon. Francis Aggrey Agbotse, Osafo Maafo said Ghana's debt is currently estimated at $5.9 billion, which represents funding for projects.