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The Ghanaian government has expressed concern about the increasing reported attacks on journalists.
Minister for Information Kojo Oppong Nkrumah on Monday, July 8, 2019 in Accra condemned all forms of attack and assault on journalists and disclosed that government is working with media stakeholders to define a mechanism to better protect journalists.
Commenting on the recent ModenGhana journalists’ incident, Mr. Nkrumah told Accra-based Citi FM the government was expecting the Police to carry on with its investigation on both the alleged crime committed by the two men and claims of torture and abuse by National Security officers.
While commending journalists in the country for their contributions for nation building, the Information Minister also insisted that there is the need to “define a proper mechanism for independently validating future claims to avert situations of contradictory reports” while allowing for accurate classification of which issues qualify as attacks on journalists.
Discharge
An Accra High court has discharged three journalists charged with stealing and unauthorized access to electronic records in connection with arrests at online news portal ModernGhana.
A Senior State Attorney Stella Ohene Appiah stated the state for now does not intend to continue with the case of prosecuting the three journalists.
An “enhanced charge sheet” could be filed next week, according to a source at the Attorney General’s Department.
Modern Ghana Editor Emmanuel Ajarfor Abugri and ModernGhana journalist Emmanuel Britwum were earlier picked up by operatives of the national security. This was followed by accusations of assault by the journalist.
An Editor of Peacefm Emmanuel Obeng Manu was later arrested and charged for the same offences.
The court presided by Justice Afia Asare Botwe discharged the three striking out the case as withdrawn.
Family members of some of the accused were seen jubilating expressing appreciation to the State for suspending the prosecution.
Source: Daily Mail GH
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