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GHANAIAN MEDIA NEWS Government announces withdrawal of Ministry of Information directive for foreign journalists On 9 April 2009, the government of Ghana announced the withdrawal of a directive it had issued on 16 March requiring foreign journalists and media outlets to seek clearance and official guides from the Ministry of Information before covering any event or issue in the country, and to submit copies of their material before publishing it. Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA)'s correspondent reported that the withdrawal of the directive followed a public outcry over its rules which, if enforced, would effectively censor foreign journalists working in Ghana and undermine the freedom of expression enshrined in the 1992 Constitution. Speaking on Joy FM, an Accra-based independent radio station, Zita Okaikoi, Ghana's minister of information, said the directive was meant to screen films and documentaries on Ghana before they were taken out of the country. She said the directive was already a policy at the ministry but upon further deliberations, it was suspended on 26 March. The directive became a public issue following its publication and the minister of information's order asking the relevant government agencies to enforce it. Parts of the directive stated: "Henceforth, all film crews that visit the country to produce documentary films will be accompanied by officials of the video production section of the department to ensure that they operate within the laid down regulations for filming in the country." SOURCE: Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA), Accra, 14 April 2009 __________________________________________________________________ Journalist William Jalulah assaulted by ruling party supporters On 11 April 2009, William Jalulah, the Upper East regional correspondent of the Accra-based "The Chronicle" newspaper, was violently assaulted by supporters of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) for photographing a violent attack.The party supporters also destroyed his digital camera. Media Foundation for West Africa's (MFWA) correspondent reported that the incident occurred in the Nabdam constituency, where the party was celebrating the victory of the incumbent Member of Parliament, Moses Asaga. Jalulah and other journalists had been invited to cover the event. According to Jalulah, the NDC supporters assaulted him while he was photographing an attack on a man wearing the shirt of the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP). The MFWA correspondent said about 15 persons pounced on the reporter and kicked him several times. He fell down in the process, resulting in the damage of his camera.The colleagues of the journalist rescued him and took him to the Bolgatanga Hospital, where he was treated and discharged. Meanwhile the Upper East Regional Police command has launched an investigation into the matter. The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) has condemned the attack and is demanding the prosecution of the supporters after police investigations. The Nabdam NDC has apologised to the journalist. SOURCE:Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA),Accra 16 April 2009 __________________________________________________________________ Court exonerates "Daily Guide" newspaper of defamation charges On 27 February 2009, an Accra High Court exonerated Western Publications Limited, publishers of the Accra-based privately-owned "Daily Guide" newspaper, on libel charges brought against it by Ghana's Foreign Minister, Alhaji Mohammed Mumuni. The court, presided over by Justice K. A. Acquaye, awarded 1,000 GH Cedis (approx. US$800) each in favour of the defendants. In April 2004, Mumuni brought charges of defamation against managing editor Gina Blay, former deputy editor Ebenezer Ato Sam, and Western Publications Limited in relation to a published article claiming that the minister had engaged in criminal misconduct between 1997 and 2001 when Mumuni was then minister of Mobilization and Social Welfare. The newspaper's article stemmed from an Interim Audit Report. However, the final report confirmed the earlier information published by the newspaper. According to the court, the newspaper published the truth and in no way did it defame the minister. Godfred Yeboah Dame, counsel for the "Daily Guide", described the judgement as an affirmation of good governance and suggested that it would empower the media to publish without fear and intimidation. SOURCE: Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA), Accra ____________________________________________________________ Sports journalists Rashidatu Kadiri and Dorcas Oparibea assaulted by police officer. On 11February 2009, Rashidatu Kadiri of Atlantis Radio and Dorcas Oparibea of Top Radio were assaulted by a policeman at the Ohene Djan Sports Stadium in Accra, while they were covering a mid-week league game between Accra Hearts of Oak and Ashantigold. The policeman allegedly held Oparibea's breast and pushed her to the ground. Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) reported that the two female sports journalists together with their male colleagues were at the entrance of the dressing room when the policeman ordered them to leave the place. Kadiri told MFWA that the policeman discriminated against them by not allowing them to get access to the players, even though they produced their identity cards. The policeman allegedly shoved the two female journalists to the ground. Accra Hearts of Oak's team manager, Sabahm Quaye, has condemned the act of the policeman and said the matter will be investigated and recommendations made to the appropriate police command. 13 February 2009 SOURCE: Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA), Accra
For the thirteen years that the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) has been monitoring attacks on free speech and expression in West Africa, 2009 was the most regrettable.
For the thirteen years that the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) has been monitoring attacks on free speech and expression in West Africa, 2009 was the most regrettable.