Accra (Greater Accra), 2nd June 99 -

The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) on Tuesday deplored the 42 million cedis court fine slapped against the 'Ghana Chronicle', saying it is "too harsh and severe".

The fine was imposed on the editor and publisher of the Accra-based paper in a libel case brought against them by Mr Edward Salia, Minister of Roads and Transport.

A statement issued in Accra and signed by Mrs. Gifty Affenyi-Dadzie, President of the GJA, observed that the fine is the highest ever in the history of the country against a newspaper for libel.

"From our research, this is the first time in the history of Ghana that a court of the land has imposed such a high fine on a newspaper for libel," it said, adding that the unprecedented fine of 42 million is "too harsh and severe".

"This record fine constitutes a threat to press freedom, pluralism and diversity which should not be lost on the Ghanaian society," it stressed.

The statement noted that the press is a very important institution of democracy and a pillar of governance, adding that such high fines against such an institution go a long way to undermine the country's democracy and good governance.

It, therefore, called on the judiciary to dispense justice to all parties in the country's democracy in a manner that will not undermine and destroy the fundamental structures of good governance while upholding the rights of individuals.

The GJA assured the public of its commitment to the promotion of media accountability and responsibility, adding: "we have never lacked the courage to be self-critical of our profession".

GRi?/