Majority and Minority clash on media

The Majority and the Minority sides of Parliament clashed on Tuesday over accusations of irresponsible use of radio by sympathisers of the government.

Ms Akua Sena Dansua, NDC- North Dayi, in statement that heralded the trading of accusations, counter accusations and controversies, said there was a seeming threat to national security, unity and survival due to messages carried in the media, especially the radio.

"Of late a section of the media particularly radio stations are being used by certain individuals and groups to fan political, tribal and violent sentiments among the citizenry."

She said: "Instead of focusing on issues that will accelerate the development of this country, certain people and groups motivated by prejudice and vengeance particularly against the previous political dispensations and its operatives are using the media to engage in activities likely to disintegrate the nation."

The member called for immediate action to salvage the situation.

Nana Akomea, Deputy Minister of Tourism, said tribal politics was the trademark of the NDC and asked the member not to divert the peoples' attention from that fact.

He said ex-President J. J. Rawlings was the source of destabilisation and was even on record to have said that there would be a coup d'etat in Ghana.

Nana Akomea said the NPP government believes in the freedom of the media that was why it was in the process of repealing the Criminal Libel Law.

"We believe that the media has the necessary organs to check itself. This is not the time for anyone to intrude into the operations of the media."

Mrs Ama Benyiwa-Doe, Gomoa West, said prominent members of government including Dr Amoako Tuffour have stated on radio (Peace FM) that all NDC members were thieves.

This assertion attracted shouts of "Rawlings said worse things!" from the Majority.

Mr Edward Osei Kwaku, Deputy Minister of Presidential Affairs, said the statement was unnecessary since there was no perceived or real threat to national security.

He said the media discusses national issues and have helped the ordinary Ghanaian to understand and contribute effectively towards national debates.

The Member said ex-President Rawlings was the one, who through irresponsible remarks and threats, was trying to destabilise the country.

He disagreed with the Ms Dansua's assertion that there was a looming crisis in the system.

"We do not see such crisis. We as a government are focused and sooner or later all Ghanaians would enjoy life."

He blamed the widespread of armed robbery on the past government's indiscriminate use and supply of arms.