The Minister of Information, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, has called on judges not to spare individuals who attack journalists in Ghana, regardless of these attackers’ social status or political affiliation.
Oppong Nkrumah said the action is required urgently to stem attacks and a wave of verbal assaults on journalists in the country.
The minister was speaking at the opening ceremony of a training workshop in Ho for judges on the need to protect freedom of expression and the safety of journalists. The ceremony took place on Monday (20 June 2022).
Wheels of justice
“The wheels of justice may grind slowly, but My Lord Chief Justice,” said Oppong Nkrumah, addressing Justice Kwasi Anin-Yeboah, who was presiding over the occasion, “the feedback I have from my media colleagues is that we believe some quick punitive action targeted at the perpetrators of infringements against media practitioners will be appreciated.
“It will be the strongest message, to the next batch of state and non-state actors, that it is not acceptable to attack journalists, no matter how much you disagree with what they say,” said the minister, who doubles as the MP for Ofoase Ayirebi in the Eastern Region.