The maiden International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists has been observed in Ghana under the title ‘’ The State of Journalists Safety in Ghana ‘’.
During a forum organized in Accra by the United Nations Information Center[UNIC] in collaboration with the United Nations Education Scientific and Cultural Organization[ UNESCO] government was called upon to create mechanisms to monitor and report on journalists safety in Ghana .
In his presentation titled state of journalists safety in Ghana , Mr. Sulemana Braimah, the Executive Director for the West African Media Foundation[MAMF], a Civil Society Group, commended the UN systems for the adoption of the resolution to recognize the efforts of the media.
He however expressed his worries over the dwindling nature of the journalism profession in Ghana which he described as a big threat to press freedom within the country.
He bemoaned the fast dwindling professional standards, extreme partisanship and the alarming rate of commercialization that is driving many media organizations to prioritize advertising revenues over professionalism.
Although Ghana is among the best ranked in terms of press freedom, Mr. Braimah however pointed out that according to his outfits record within the last decade, 138 incidents of violation against journalists has occurred in Ghana representing an average of 14 violations per year.
Physical attacks on journalists has been the most prevalent form of violation in Ghana as captured by the MFWA in the last ten years with the worst perpetrators been the security agencies led by the military and the police.
The security agencies have committed over 38% of all violations against journalists[53 out of 138] and that next to the security agencies are the political party supporters[30 violations] followed by individuals, organized pressure groups, state officials and the courts that impose crippling damages or fines against the perpetrators.
The MFWA Executive Director however disclosed as unfortunate that perpetrators of these violations against journalists often go unpunished or at best, simply render apologies to their victims. The lack of conscious and determined effort on the part of the state to punish crimes committed against journalists has the potential of fostering impunity and emboldening perpetrators and potential ones to commit further violations.
Mr. Braimah indicated that available data and information suggest that the UN system at the national level is yet to adequately incorporate safety of journalists and the issue of impunity over crimes committed against journalists in the implementation of programs.
He added that there isn’t much information to indicate mainstreaming of safety of journalists and the issue of impunity in UN programs around rule of law, democratic governance , amongst others coupled with limited public awareness on efforts by the UN system in Ghana to deal with issues of journalists safety.
This therefore requires institutions such as the National Media Commission[NMC], National Communications Authority[NCA], Ghana Journalists Association amongst others to improve professional standards in order to win back the confidence and trust of the public.
‘’The media he noted can be effective in playing their role only when they are free from real or possible harassment , attacks, intimidation and censorship and of course when they are professional’’.
On his part, Mr. Tirso Dos Santos, UNESCO Head in Ghana , added his voice to the call for crimes against journalists to be curtailed. He added that journalists work is very crucial to the socio-cultural development of every society and that they deserve the needed protection and rights to be able to work effectively.
The day he stated has been chosen by the UN to celebrate and recognize the dedicated and selfless duties performed by journalists globally.
Mr. Dos Santos called on governments globally to ensure a swift and thorough investigation every time a journalist is killed, for stronger cooperation to enhance journalists safety.
The maiden ceremony which was chaired by the Deputy Minister for Tourism , Madam Dzifa Abla Gomashie brought together participants from the government, civil society bodies and media practitioners .