Ghana’s Minister of Information, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, announced the establishment of an office in Accra with a coordinated mechanism for the safety of journalists in the country. He said the office would receive complaints of alleged attacks and intimidation of journalists, validate these complaints, follow up and push for the conclusion of investigations and the sanctioning of culprits. The minister said this at this year’s commemoration of World Press Freedom Day (WPFD) and flag-hoisting ceremony in Accra as part of the speech he delivered. Mr. Oppong Nkrumah said that the office, set up by the National Media Commission (NMC) with support from the ministry, would also provide journalists with the necessary skills for their safety. This initiative gives some credence to the fact that the government cherishes the work of journalists who need protection to discharge their duties in the hope that they can get justice should they suffer any breach in the line of duty. Furthermore, this also provides strong backing for the press as the “fourth estate of the realm” or the fourth pillar of democracy. True enough, every country that supports democratic principles needs the press or the media to relay information on policies and other happenings in governance that the citizenry must know. The press also carries information about societal needs and aspirations to those in government so that the establishment can plan to meet such needs and aspirations. The presence of the office itself also serves as a warning to organizations and individuals who would think of doing harm to journalists, especially in the line of duty.

Source: Ghanaian Times