Communications minister Ursula Owusu-Ekuful has claimed that sexual harassment is rife in media houses across the country.

She said the media does not talk about the issue even though they appear aware of the situation.

“Sexual harassment is rife in most media houses but many do not talk about it,” she told Francis Abban on the Morning Starr Wednesday.

This is the first time any individual in public office is making such an allegation against the Ghanaian media.

Meanwhile, the Ablekuma West MP whose ministry is on a crusade to shut down radio stations who have failed to renew their operating license says the move is not to target the media.

“The law ought to be no respecter of persons. No one should think they are above the law. When the NCA wanted to embark on this action, they spoke to me about it and I thought it was a good idea. Closing down the media houses that have not renewed their licences is as a result of applying our laws.

“Why would you want to operate illegally for all these years if you don’t have money to pay for your license? It takes the political will to implement tough decisions,” she noted.

She added that the affected media houses must be blamed for the situation they find themselves in.

“The media houses who chose not to work within the confines of the laws should be blamed. Why won’t the media fight against other media houses who are not doing the right thing?”

She advised journalists affected by the decision to seek redress with their employers.



“I will urge them to speak with their owners to do the needful so they don’t lose their jobs. The media plays a vital role in helping all of us change our orientations and mindsets”.