NMC charged to ensure high journalistic practice

Accra, Nov. 27 GNA - The Chief Justice, Mr Justice George Kingsley Acquah on Monday called on members of the National Media Commission (NMC) to uphold high journalistic standards in the country. Mr Justice Kingsley Acquah made this statement when he swore in 18 members of the reconstituted NMC in Accra.

The members, who come from diverse backgrounds, include Mr Paul Adu Gyamfi; Mr Isaac Fritz Andoh; Mr Kweku Rockson; Mr C.S. Buabeng; Ms Lucy Brown and Mr John Akologo Tia.

The others are Ms Freda Akosua Prempeh; Mr Nii Laryea Sowah; Mr Nicholas Kodzo Akyire; Mr Yaw Baah; Mr Kojo Opare-Hammond and Mr Alhassan Haruna.

The rest are Dr Selby Ashong-Katai; Mr Perry Ofosu; Mr Muhammad Amir Kpakpo Addo; Mrs Afua Ghartey and Mr Pius Michael Quianoo. Mr Adu Gyamfi is the current chairman of the NMC. Mr Justice Acquah said there must be a limit within which the press must function and this could only be brought about by the Commission. He charged the media to make sure that the liberty and privacy of others were not unduly infringed upon.

Mr Justice Acquah also urged the Commission to ensure that the level of journalistic practice in the country met international standards.

Mr Kwamena Bartels, Minster of Information and National Orientation, expressed the determination of the Government to push further the frontier of free speech in the country. He said the repeal of the Criminal Libel Law and the liberalization of the airwaves were geared towards that goal. Mr Bartels said members of the Commission also had an onerous task to ensure that the unity, peace and tranquillity of the country were protected at all times.